What is polyurethane?
Q: What is polyurethane?
A: Polyurethane is a polymer made of organic units, which are joined by urethane. It is formed through step-growth polymerization and can be found in different levels of stiffness, hardness or densities.
Q: How is polyurethane produced?
A: Polyurethane is produced through step-growth polymerization, where a monomer containing at least two isocyanate functional groups reacts with another monomer containing at least two hydroxyl (alcohol) groups in the presence of a catalyst.
Q: What are some examples of products that use polyurethanes?
A: Examples of products that use polyurethanes include low-density flexible foam used in upholstery, low-density rigid foam used for thermal insulation and RTM cores, soft solid elastomers used for gel pads and print rollers, low density elastomers used in footwear, hard solid plastics used as electronic instrument bezels and structural parts.
Q: Is urethane the same as polyurethane?
A: No, urethane (also known as ethyl carbamate) should not be confused with polyurethanes because they are neither produced from ethyl carbamate nor do they contain it.
Q: Are there any other uses for polyurethanes besides those mentioned above?
A: Yes, other uses for polyurathanes include 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 high performance adhesives and sealants Spandex fibers seals gaskets carpet underlay and hard plastic parts.
Q: Does the production process of polyurethanes involve any catalysts?
A: Yes, the production process involves a catalyst which helps to react a monomer containing at least two isocyanate functional groups with another monomer containing at least two hydroxyl (alcohol) groups.
