| Polyurethane | General Topic Information | Polyurethane is a thermoplastic polymer used in the manufacturing of resins for fillers, adhesives, and elastomers. It is a synthetic material created by combining a polyhydric alcohol and an isocyanate through polymerization. Polyurethane creates tough c...view more Polyurethane is a thermoplastic polymer used in the manufacturing of resins for fillers, adhesives, and elastomers. It is a synthetic material created by combining a polyhydric alcohol and an isocyanate through polymerization. Polyurethane creates tough coatings, strong adhesives, durable resins, and foams. Most polyurethane is heat resistant, although thermoplastic polymers are also available that can be molded by heat. Polyurethanes are unique from other polymers in that they have carbamate groups in their molecular structure. Polyurethane can come from a variety of materials, including stabilizers, monomers, and prepolymers. The addition of materials such as antioxidants can act as stabilizers to strengthen the polyurethane and give it customizable features like heat resistance. Stabilizers give manufacturers the ability to create polyurethanes that increase resistance to damage from light, temperature, oxidization, chemicals, and atmospheric contaminants. Manufacturers may also add colorants because the natural color of polyurethane is white. view less |
