What Is Polyurethane Used For?

Since Otto Bayer invented the polyurethane manufacturing process in 1937, this versatile substance has become ubiquitous, in homes, vehicles, manufacturing and more. From its product beginnings as a rigid foam for aircraft in 1940, it has found a wide variety of uses as a substitute for metal, rubber, paint, cotton and other plastics.

Significance

Polyurethane has a broad range of textures, flexibility and hardness. It has the elasticity of rubber, but is much tougher and more durable. It can be soft as an eraser and hard as a tabletop. Polyurethane does not break easily, is lighter than metal, and is very resistant to elements such as ozone, sunlight and rain. It stays flexible down to -90 degrees F and stays resistant in temperatures up to 225 F.

Types

Because polyurethane is more tear-resistant than rubber and has a higher load capacity and better abrasion, it has numerous industrial uses. Manufacturers include polyurethane in machine mounts, expansion joints, heavy-duty couplings, drive belts and shock pads. In some instances it has also replaced metals in bearings, gaskets, sprockets and rollers.

Features

Polyurethane has improved medical equipment as well. It is used for catheters and medical-surgical tubing, dialysis tubing, surgical drapes, sterile dressings, sutures and short-term implants. It is even used in artificial heart valves.

History

During World War II, when polyurethane was created as a replacement for rubber, the shortage of various materials and its versatility spurred its rapid expansion to additional uses. Polyurethane was used for airplane finishes and rigid foam, and garments designed to protect against mustard gas. The war slowed development for consumer use, however, until the 1950s when polyurethane flexible foam was invented.

Considerations

Polyurethane is well known as a flexible and a rigid foam, and is very common in padding and upholstery for furniture, and interiors of cars and trucks, boats and airplanes. The foam makes excellent packaging, and also is used as carpet underlay. It is very efficient at noise abatement and is used for soundproofing material.

Benefits

Polyurethane has an enormous range of everyday uses. People wear polyurethane as spandex, and as artificial leather in shoes. Polyurethane is used in vehicle bumpers and dashboards. It makes a clear protective coating for metal, wood, concrete and masonry. Polyurethane can also masquerade as wood to create a particular type of decor. In our homes, it is found in refrigerators, insulation, roofs, cables and lamps. It is used in guitar straps, sponges, chess boards, mouse pads, condoms, surfboards and life preservers. Polyurethane is nearly everywhere.

Resources

• Everything you always wanted to know about polyurethane