Polyurethane

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Polyurethane

I.Introduction And Background of the Material


Polyurethane, any of a class of synthetic resinous, fibrous, or elastomeric compounds belonging
to the family of organic polymers made by the reaction of diisocyanates with other difunctional
compounds such as glycols. Polyurethanes were invented back in the 1930s by Professor Dr.
Otto Bayer (1902-1982). They are used in a diversity of products, from coatings and adhesives to
shoe soles, mattresses and foam insulation. Polyurethane, mostly in form of flexible foam, is one
of the most popular materials used in home furnishing such as furniture, bedding and carpet
underlay. As a cushioning material for upholstered furniture, it works to make furniture more
durable, comfortable and supportive. Widespread use of polyurethanes was first seen during
World War II, when they were utilised as a replacement for rubber, which at the time was
expensive and hard to obtain. During the war, other applications were developed, largely
involving coatings of different kinds, from aeroplane finishes to resistant clothing. By the 1950s,
polyurethanes were being used in adhesives, elastomers and rigid foams and, in the latter part of
the same decade, flexible cushioning foams similar to those used today. While polyurethane is a
product that most people are not overly familiar with, as it is generally ‘hidden’ behind covers or
surfaces made of other materials, it would be hard to imagine life without polyurethanes.

II. Structure of the Material


Polyurethanes normally have a segmented structure. A hard segment derived from the
isocyanates and a soft segment from the diols are normally formed. The length and molecular
weight of the monomer molecule has a direct influence on the nature of the polyurethane formed.

III. Physical and Chemical Properties of the Material


Polyurethanes (PUR) are one of the largest classes of polymers with properties that can be
tailored over a wide range for a large number of application. They can be thermosetting or
thermoplastic, rigid and hard or flexible and soft. They are formed from the reaction of an
organic diisocyanate with a diol compound, which leads to urethane linkages in the backbone (-
NH-C(=O)-O-).

 Good Abrasion Resistance


 Good Impact Resistance
 Good Toughness
 Low Viscosity
 High Elongation
 Good Flexibility
 Good tear Strength
 Low Shrinkage
 Hydrolytically Stable
 Resillent
 Thermal properties of polyurethanes are influenced mainly by molecular weight
between the cross links , degree of segments in stiff sequence.
 Mechanical properties such as elongation break, tear strength, tensile strength are
largely influenced by the presence of aromatic groups, long alkyl chain , branching
and cross linking nd also degree of secondary bonding forces.
 Chemical properties of Polyurethane are greatly influenced by the types of
isocyanates and polyols used to make it.

IV. Application (including advantages/disadvantages compared to other


materials with similar use)
 Apparel
When scientists discovered that polyurethanes could be made into fine threads, they were
combined with nylon to make more lightweight, stretchable garments. Over the years,
polyurethanes have been improved and developed into spandex fibers, polyurethane
coatings and thermoplastic elastomers.

 Appliances
Polyurethanes are an important component in major appliances that consumers use every
day. The most common use for polyurethanes in major appliances is rigid foams for
refrigerator and freezer thermal insulation systems. Rigid polyurethane foam is an
essential and cost-effective material that can be used for meeting required energy ratings
in consumer refrigerators and freezers.

 Automotive
Polyurethanes are used throughout cars. In addition to the foam that makes car seats
comfortable, bumpers, interior “headline” ceiling sections, the car body, spoilers, doors
and windows all use polyurethanes. Polyurethane also enables manufacturers to provide
drivers and passengers significantly more automobile “mileage” by reducing weight and
increasing fuel economy, comfort, corrosion resistance, insulation and sound absorption.

 Building and Construction


Polyurethane is used all over the house. In floors, flexible foam padding cushions your
carpet. In the roof, reflective plastic coverings over polyurethane foam can bounce
sunlight and heat away, helping the house stay cool while helping reduce energy
consumption. Polyurethane building materials add design flexibility to new homes and
remodeling projects.

 Composite Woods
Polyurethanes play a major role in modern materials, such as composite wood.
Polyurethane-based binders are used in composite wood products to permanently glue
organic materials into oriented strand board, medium-density fiberboard, long-strand
lumber, laminated-veneer lumber and even strawboard and particleboard.

 Electronics
Polyurethane potting compounds are specially formulated by developers to meet a
diverse range of physical, thermal and electrical properties. They can protect electronics
by providing excellent dielectric and adhesive properties, as well as exceptional solvent,
water and extreme temperature resistance.

 Flooring
Polyurethanes are also used to coat floors, from wood and parquet to cement. This
protective finish is resistant to abrasion and solvents, and is easy to clean and maintain.
With a polyurethane finish, a new wood, parquet or cement floor wears better and longer,
while an old floor can be refinished to look new again.

 Furnishings
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.

 Marine
Polyurethane epoxy resins seal boat hulls from water, weather, corrosion and elements
that increase drag, affect hydrodynamics and reduce durability. Boaters today can have
the comforts of home on the water, thanks in part to flexible polyurethane foam.

 Medical
Polyurethanes are commonly used in a number of medical applications, including
catheter and general purpose tubing, hospital bedding, surgical drapes, wound dressings
and a variety of injection-molded devices. Their most common use is in short-term
implants. Polyurethane use in medical applications can be more cost-effective and
provide for more longevity and toughness.

 Packaging
Polyurethane packaging foam (PPF) can provide more cost-effective, form-fitting
cushioning that uniquely and securely protecting items that need to stay safely in place
during transit. PPF is widely used to safely protect and transport many items, such as
electronic and medical diagnostic equipment, delicate glassware and large industrial
parts.

V. Conclusions
Polyurethanes are the most demanding type of polymers in the present era because of the
versatility in properties and in the synthesis. The one shot method of mixing and prepolymer
method are used in the production of polyurethane. As a large number of ingredients are
available for the synthesis of PU, a good variety with tunable properties can be obtained. They
have been the unsubstituted components in the furniture industry. They have been used as the
implants and biodegradable membranes in the medical field. Polyurethanes are available as soft
foams and hard tooling materials. Thermoplastic elastomers of polyurethanes are the most
wanted materials in the industry. The generation from natural sources and recyclability are the
attractive advantages of polyurethanes. Synthesized polyurethanes can be characterized via
spectroscopy, calorimetry, and scattering techniques. They maintain the versatility in the results.
Phase separated structure of TPUs and the induced crystallinity are interesting to study. Phase
separation and crystallinity are temperature dependent features of PUs.

VI. Bibliography

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