The Most Popular Applications of Polyurethane Today

Polyurethane is a synthetic resin material. 

It is prepared by linking polymer chemical compounds and urethane via a chemical process. 

The products made from polyurethane can withstand harsh weather conditions while maintaining a low VOC rating. The polymer compounds offer them high stability and durability.

No wonder, they are used in several applications.

In this post, we will discuss the most popular applications of polyurethane.

Top 5 Applications of Polyurethane 

1. CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers)

CASE is a category of polyurethane-based materials which include – coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. 

Integrating polyurethane-based CASE materials boosts the performance and appearance of end products.

For instance, polyurethane coatings can be applied to vehicles like cars. The binding properties of polyurethane improve their appearance and lifespan. From a high gloss finish to scratch resistance, they offer a high durability quotient. 

What’s more?

Polyurethane adhesives are great for windshield bonding in vehicle interiors. 

When used as sealants, polyurethane offers protection from grime, UV rays, and contaminants. Furthermore, they can serve as high-performance elastomers for automotive tires and engine components.

These impressive qualities of polyurethane can make any vehicle ideal for long-term use.

2. RIM (Reaction Injection Moulding)

RIM molding is a technique that uses low pressure to cohere lightweight products. 

This process involves the injection of polyurethane along with some chemicals. 

The role of a polyurethane binder is to mold and give shape to the end product. The dimensional stability of polyurethane makes it an ideal choice for electronic goods. Unlike traditional processes, RIM molding is inexpensive.

Telecommunication enclosures, car bumpers, and computer equipment are its prime applications. Polyurethane helps retain its original shape even after years of wear and tear.

3. Apparel

Polyurethanes can be transformed into fine-looking threads.

It involves a chemical process that converts them into spandex fibers and thermoplastic elastomers. Blending these fibers with materials like nylon produces stain-resistant, lightweight, and elastic clothes. 

The spandex fibers and thermoplastic elastomers are pliable and heat-resistant.

Furthermore, manufacturers can paint them using a wide array of colors. This aspect makes them suitable for creating aesthetically pleasing garments, accessories, and footwear. They are commonly used for producing swimsuits and athletic clothing.

With polyurethane, consumers get high-quality and longevity assurance. 

The addition of polyurethane adhesives can further enhance their performance.

4. Flooring 

Polyurethane binder is a highly preferred binding solution for rubber floorings. 

It increases the flexibility of rubber floors, making a stable surface with enough cushioning to avert the risk of serious falls. 

Engineered to bind granules, it enhances the appearance of floors, making them long-lasting and easy to maintain.

Durability is another crucial aspect that it offers to the rubber floorings.

No wonder, leading local rubber surfacing experts like Rubcorp use polyurethane binder for several rubber flooring applications, such as –

• Homes
• Commercial Buildings
• Sports Centers 
• Kids’ Playgrounds
• Gyms

For instance, playpark surfaces experience heavy foot and mobility devices traffic. So, to create wear and tear-resistant surface that can withstand dry, damp, and wet weather conditions and provide utmost safety to the kids, the Rubcorp team uses a polyurethane binder.

It helps them prepare sturdy rubber flooring, making the playground safe for kids. 

What’s more?

Rubcorp also offers a wide array of bright colors for surfacing, thus adding aesthetic value to spaces.  

The installation is cost-effective and only takes a couple of days.

5. Medical Equipment

From general tubing to surgical wound dressings and temporary implants, polyurethane is the go-to choice of medical practitioners.

The reason?

Polyurethane outperforms other materials in terms of the following aspects.

• Tear resistance
• Biocompatibility
• Flexural endurance
• Abrasion resistance 
• Moisture resistance

The best part is polyurethane has long shelf life, which is crucial for medical utilities.

Summing Up

Polyurethane is an exceptional environment-friendly resource. It is versatile and has a cyclical life span, and hence benefits a multitude of industries. We hope this blog post on the applications of polyurethane has been helpful to you! 

We are further putting up a listicle of the most frequently asked questions. They will offer more clarity about polyurethane material. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is polyurethane used for?

Polyurethane is one of the most popular materials used in rubber floorings, home furnishings, medical equipment, garments, footwear, and other applications.

Is polyurethane rubber or plastic?

Polyurethanes belong to the family of plastics or elastomeric polymers, which include rubber. The material is durable, flexible, versatile, and resilient. 

Is polyurethane harmful to humans?

Polyurethane is harmless to humans, kids, and even animals. That’s the reason they are largely used for kids’ playground floorings, homes, gyms, sports centers, and more.

How long does it take polyurethane to dry?

Polyurethane usually dries within 24-48 hours.

How do you apply polyurethane to surfaces?

Polyurethane is easy to apply. Check out this video to understand how polyurethane can be applied to rubber floorings.