General characteristics of polyurethane
- By manipulating the molecular structure of polyurethane, we can quickly obtain different materials with a hardness ranging from 20 SHORE A to 85 SHORE D.
- It exhibits high capacities of bearing loads of tension and compression.
- Along with the amazingly high tensile strength, polyurethanes exhibit high tear resistance.
- It is highly stable in oil, water, and grease. Hence, polyurethanes last long when utilized in subsea applications.
- It makes the perfect electrical insulating material and sound absorbent.
- During manufacturing, polyurethane shows great flexibility regarding bonding with different materials such as metals, plastics, and wood.
- One of the most astounding benefits of urethanes is that it is resistant to fungal, mildew, and mold growth, making them the perfect material for a damp tropical environment.
Uses of Urethanes
Due to urethane properties' fantastic versatility, it has been used for various purposes. Notably, the uses of urethanes depend upon their form. Here are some common yet essential applications of urethanes.
Foam: The foam made of urethane is used as the acoustic absorbent, filling of mattresses, as part of quilts, in sofa, and chair seats, padded fillers, for thermal insulation, in dashboards, in toys, shoes, pillows, and sponges as well.
Liquid: Urethane liquid is used for architectural and furniture coatings, varnishes, sealants, inks, and pigments.
Solids: Urethane solids may be elastic or rigid. The rigid foam is often used for energy-efficient insulation for roofs, walls, doors, and windows. Furthermore, it is sound absorbent as well.
Polyurethane is also prepared in the form of elastomers. We can mold these elastomers into different shapes. They are lightweight, stress and environment-resistant.
Benefits of Polyurethane
Polyurethane was first prepared to substitute natural rubber during World War II. However, realizing the versatile properties of the material, it was used for various purposes. Some of the benefits of urethanes use are mentioned below.
Protection
When urethanes finishes are mixed with the epoxy primers, the resulting material can form a smooth protective layer on the surface of any other material that it is applied on. It protects the material from damage caused by salts, ultra-violet rays, moisture, and other environmental factors. Utilizing this property, polyurethane combined with epoxy is are employed to keep the metal-based materials from corrosion. It protects the buildings from the damage due too salts and sand in the coastal areas. The coating also helps save the steel and concrete building materials from harmful bacteria, dirt, debris, and bird droppings. For all these applications, polyurethane is so prevalent in the construction industry. As a result, it is vital to cost-effective building maintenance.
Application
Despite the long list of benefits of urethanes uses and application, polyurethane demands the observation of personal safety measures anyway. For example, when applied via spray, the person applying spraying urethane and anyone in the surrounding must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. However, when it cures, it is safe.
As long as the core material comprises the natural monomers, it does not have any harmful effects on either people or animals and the environment after curing it.
Last but not least, only an experienced applicator should apply polyurethane. Hence, he can ensure polyurethane's successful and safe application with proper knowledge and skills.
Versatile
The fantastic benefits of urethane are attributed to its versatile characteristics. Upon mixing with the epoxy primers, it makes a particular coating material that can be applied on various structural surfaces such as engineered foams systems, non-ferrous metals, steel, and others. In addition, it has been widely used as coasting, varnish, and lacquer because the urethane coatings are impermeable and preserve the coated materials from damage.
Not only in its applications, but polyurethane is versatile in its finishing. Several urethane resin pigments are available that allow you to customize the finishing according to your need and desire. The finishes may range from metallic to solid color and gloss to matte finishes. Typically, the applicators apply the coating with roller, brush, or sprays.
In addition to the pigmented coatings and varnishes, you can also have polyurethane sealants and adhesives and use them in various fields, such as in construction.
Aesthetics
Owing to the wide-ranged characteristics of polyurethane, you can also satisfy your aesthetic sense. Moreover, once you know what it can do and how to play with polyurethane, you can enjoy innovating the new products. Hence, the benefits of urethane include innovation as well.
You can create a wet look or even a mirror-effect finish using metallic and solid colors.
Clear polyurethanes coatings prove the best to enhance and preserve the beauty and refined look of indoor furniture and cabinetry. Furthermore, when used rightly, clear polyurethanes also help create a shining glaze that gives off a reflective effect enhancing the stone surfaces.
Furthermore, the finishes made out of polyurethane improve the graffiti resistance and cleanability of the metal and cementitious surfaces.
Durability & energy-saving
Aliphatic polyurethanes coating finish adds exceptional weathering protection. Hence, it enhances the durability of the substrate and extends its life cycle. Polyurethane coatings preserve the look far better than ordinary paints or resins.
Hence, due to its scratch-resistant and environment-resistant nature, it finds further application as the finishing coating of commercial buildings, including structural elements, metal roofs, doors, building panel handrails, signage, window mullions, and metal stairwells.
Last but not least, another one of the benefits of urethanes is their capability to add infrared heat reflectivity to the substrate's surfaces. Consequently, it helps reduce the surface temperature of exposed metal surfaces. Hence, it prevents the possible injuries caused by elevated surface temperatures and reduces the cost of building's cooling mechanisms.