Properties and applications of PU or Polyurethane (2024)

Polyurethanes were developed in Germany during World War II. Principal applications are in coatings, elastomers and foams. The elastomers have excellent abrasion resistance but high hysteresis; the associated heat build-up has limited their use in applications such as tires. Rigid polyurethane foams have become widely used as insulation materials because of their combination of low heat transfer and good cost effectiveness. Use as insulation and other applications are restricted by an upper temperature capability of about 250 F. Polyurethanes do not survive well in direct sunlight or in contact with most organic solvents. Two types are common: polyester based and polyether based, with these backbone structures actually comprising a significant part of a so-called polyurethane resin.

ADVANTAGES:

  • High abrasion resistance
  • Good low temperature capability
  • Wide molecular structural variability
  • Ambient curing possible
  • Comparatively low cost

DISADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS:

  • Poor thermal capability
  • Poor weatherability
  • Attacked by most solvents
  • Utilize toxic isocyanates
  • Flammable

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:

Load-bearing rollers and wheels, acoustic damping materials, sporting goods, seals and gaskets. Very high usage in rigid and flexible foams, coatings, potting and encapsulation.

Visit the IDES database for detailed specifications.

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Properties and applications of PU or Polyurethane (2024)

FAQs

Properties and applications of PU or Polyurethane? ›

Polyurethane helps conserve natural resources and helps preserve the environment by reducing energy usage. With its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, insulation properties, durability and versatility, polyurethane is frequently used in building and construction applications.

What are the properties of PU resin? ›

Polyurethane resins consist of soft and hard segments and have excellent elasticity and toughness. Various performance requirements (hydrophilicity, moisture permeability, abrasion resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, etc.) can be met by changing the formulation and molding method.

Where is polyurethane commonly used? ›

Polyurethane foam is widely used in high resiliency flexible foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, durable elastomeric wheels and tires, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, seals, gaskets, carpet underlay, and hard plastic parts (such as for ...

What surfaces can polyurethane be used on? ›

A quick-drying, ultra-tough clear finish for use on wood, metal or painted surfaces. Seals, protects and enhances.

What are the best conditions for applying polyurethane? ›

Ideal Conditions are 70 degrees F and 50% humidity.

Refinishing furniture in a space that is below or above the 65-75 degrees F range can lead to problems, and a space below 55 degrees F is definitely too cold.

What are the chemical properties of polyurethane? ›

Other names – Ethylene glycol copolymer
C27H36N2O10Polyurethane Foam
Densityapproximately 3 to 50 lbs
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass548.589 g/mol
Boiling Point210 K
Melting Point330 K
1 more row

At what temperature does polyurethane melt? ›

Polyurethane foam product is a polymeric material consisting of repeating units of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Vapor Pressure N/A Melting Point 300-400°F (mm Hg.) Appearance and Odor FLEXIBLE OR SEMI-RIGID SOLID WITH CELLULAR STRUCTURE; ANY COLOR, NEARLY ODORLESS.

Is epoxy stronger than PU? ›

EPS Epoxy (Expanded Polystyrene) is a lighter and more durable material than traditional PU (Polyurethane) foam.

Is polyurethane an epoxy? ›

Although many people use the terms polyurethane and epoxy interchangeably, they are actually two distinct types of coating with their own properties and advantages. As they are both hardwearing resin systems, each one functions well in busy plants or other facilities where physical impacts are common.

What are the applications of polyurethane? ›

Polyurethane, mostly in the form of flexible foam, is one of the most popular materials used in home furnishings such as furniture, bedding and carpet underlay. As a cushioning material for upholstered furniture, flexible polyurethane foam works to make furniture more durable, comfortable and supportive.

Is polyurethane hard or soft? ›

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a class of segmented copolymers composed of soft and hard segments. The soft segment is usually a polyether or polyester polyol while the hard segment is composed of a diisocyanate and chain extender.

Is polyurethane rubber or plastic? ›

Polyurethane (PU) is a unique polymer that is elastic like a rubber but can be repeatedly stretched and reformed like a plastic. This tough, flexible and hard wearing material can be formulated using a wide range of starting materials to develop everything from paint to car parts, shoe soles and seals.

What does polyurethane not stick to? ›

Polyurethane glue can be used to bond wood, metal, leather, tile, glass, rubber, brick and concrete. It isn't effective with plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene and chemically-created materials like Teflon.

What are the disadvantages of using polyurethane? ›

DISADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS:
  • Poor thermal capability.
  • Poor weatherability.
  • Attacked by most solvents.
  • Utilize toxic isocyanates.
  • Flammable.

What is the closest material to polyurethane? ›

Polypropylene (which is appropriate for injection molding and thermoforming) and polyurethane (good for reaction injection molding, casting, and extrusion blow molding) have many similar applications. They are used in the production of bottles, toys, wire insulation, etc.

What are the applications of polyurethane coating? ›

Polyurethane is considered to be one of the best multipurpose polymers in the industry. It is not only used for coatings, but is also used in apparel, appliances, automotive, construction, composite wood, electronics, flooring, furnishings, marine, medical and packaging.

What are the applications of polyurethane paint? ›

They are predominantly used in the building sector. Here they are applied as sealants or coats for roofing and flooring of car parks and to protect against corrosion. Most of these systems are based on: MDI and polyether or oil-modified polyester polyols.

What is the application of polyurethane varnish? ›

Use a brush to apply polyurethane to flat surfaces, a rag for contoured surfaces, and aerosol spray for hard-to-reach areas. Sand the wood before applying polyurethane to create a smooth surface. Be sure to wipe away any remaining dust. Wait for each coat of polyurethane to dry before applying the next.

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