Polyurethane is a widely used synthetic polymer that offers a wide range of properties and applications. It is obtained through a chemical reaction between an isocyanate and a polyol, with the possible addition of other additives. This reaction produces a urethane-based polymer structure, hence the name 'polyurethane'.
The main characteristics of polyurethanes include:
1-Versatility: Polyurethanes can be formulated to be rigid or flexible, elastic or hard,
open cell or closed cell, depending on the needs of the application. This versatility
makes them suitable for a wide range of industries and applications.
2-Mechanical resistance: Polyurethanes have excellent mechanical properties, including
abrasion resistance, tensile strength and flexural strength. They can withstand high
loads and deformations without significant damage.
3-High wear and abrasion resistance: Due to their molecular structure, polyurethanes offer considerable wear resistance, making them suitable for components subject to rubbing, friction and mechanical stress.
4-Elasticity and resilience: Elastomeric polyurethanes can deform under load and resume their original shape once the load is removed. This property makes them ideal for applications where excellent resilience and shock absorption are required.
5-Good insulation properties: Polyurethanes can offer excellent insulation properties, both thermal and acoustic. They are often used in applications such as thermal insulation, sound-absorbing foams and seals.
6-Chemical resistance: Polyurethanes can be formulated to resist a wide range of chemicals, including oils, solvents, acids and bases. This chemical resistance makes them suitable for applications in chemically aggressive environments.
7-Various processing possibilities: Polyurethanes can be processed through various techniques, such as casting, spraying, extrusion and injection, enabling the production of components of different shapes and sizes.
