Since polyurethane resin was discovered in Germany in 1937, this versatile plastic has enjoyed continued global growth,and now accounts for 5% of all plastics sold worldwide.
The main applications of polyurethane are: furniture and mattresses (rigid foams, integral and flexible), automotive (flexible foams, integral foams, elastomers and coatings), construction (rigid foam panels at low density), coatings and adhesives, technical devices (rigid insulating foam) and many other industrial products (primarily elastomers).
Polyurethane – commonly known as PU – is a thermosetting synthetic polymer. Originating as 2 liquid raw materials, the chemical reaction of the two creates a solid polymer. Depending on the specific formulation, the product may be hard or soft, compact or heavy, foam or lightweight, with any combination in between. The two major applications are thermal insulation, made from rigid expanded foam, and made from flexible foam, the famous “foam”.
PU systems are simpler and more efficient than other methods of forming materials. Allowing constant achievement of mechanical efficiency, the benefits of PU solutions comp. Compared to traditional plastics, PU benefits from lower mold costs and lower energy costs, offering a high quality, low cost technology solution.