When choosing building materials, we proceed from different indicators, but the main requirements remain high quality, durability and affordability. All these requirements are met by a modern insulation and waterproofing polyurethane foam, the characteristics of which allow its use in a variety of fields. In addition, varieties of PUFs are widely used in the creation of mattresses and furniture, which indicates the high quality and safety of materials.
What are the pros
To begin with, we note that this material is in great demand due to the fact that they can perform the decoration of any premises, while you will be able to significantly save on further expenses. The distinctive features of this insulation include:
- Environmental safety and non-toxicity: this is confirmed by repeated tests of the material.
- The sprayed polyurethane foam is easy to use and inexpensive.
- Improving thermal insulation properties, which reduces the cost of additional heating by almost 40%.
- Longevity of operation: PPU can last about 30-40 years without losing its properties.
- Energy efficiency, which is ensured by the absence of joints, seams, thermal bridges.
- Since the insulation is applied by spraying, there is no need to use fasteners. This means that cold bridges will not form , and the building will maintain its integrity over time.
- PPU is resistant to fire, which is also very important.
- Polyurethane foam is characterized by heat and frost resistance and can be used in the temperature range from -70 to +130 degrees.
- The material is resistant to chemicals, gasoline, oils, bitumen, paints.
Polyurethane foam: technical features
The material polyurethane foam characteristics are as follows. First of all, PUFs are characterized by good adhesion, i.e. adhesion to various surfaces. Secondly, the polyurethane foam coating is durable - you can safely walk on it. Thirdly, due to its light weight, the load on building structures does not increase. Fourth, PPU is universal because it combines the functions of vapor barrier and waterproofing materials. So, when it is used, an airtight layer is formed that is resistant to water and air.
Polyurethane foam material allows you to reduce the time for insulation work, while the coating layer is holistic without joints and gaps. And this means that subsequently the surface will not collapse under various influences.
Where is it used?
PPU is widely used for thermal insulation in housing, sound and thermal insulation of industrial and civil structures, for cold insulation of holds, refrigeration units, to increase the safety and buoyancy of timber supplied by water alloy. Thus, the characteristics of polyurethane foam are very different, allowing the use of the material in various fields.
It must be said that all sprayed materials differ in a number of advantages:
- protect metal from corrosion;
- are a good waterproofing insulator;
- differ in good adhesion to any surface;
- quickly applied.
PPU for refrigeration
Polyurethane foam, the technical characteristics of which are so diverse, is used for refrigeration equipment. Its purpose is to isolate the enclosing structures, pipes that supply liquefied nitrogen and ammonia. When creating molded parts for cars, elastic, thermoformed, semi-rigid is used, and it is needed for the manufacture of molded parts. The material is also used to create various decorative elements for furniture.
PPU in light industry
In this case, polyurethane foam for mattresses is very popular. The characteristics of the material in this case are as follows:
- practicality;
- functionality;
- durability;
- providing orthopedic properties;
- a variety of models of mattresses - with springs, in several layers or with a modified geometry of the product.
In light industry, PPU-based is used for the production of synthetic leather, duplicated fabrics. Material is also needed in car building and aircraft building when creating high-quality molded parts that are resistant to fire.
The most widely used polyurethane foam for mattresses. The characteristics of this material perfectly meet the requirements of the manufacturers of these sleeping accessories, since they are not inferior to natural materials in quality, and it is much more profitable to choose it at a price. The use of PPU in the manufacture of mattresses is advisable, since it differs:
- strength;
- durability;
- elasticity;
- security
- hypoallergenic.
The peculiarity of the material is its softness, so the mattresses are comfortable and provide a comfortable rest. In addition, it does not cause allergic reactions, respectively, you can put such a mattress in the nursery and in the room for an elderly person.
PPU just for decoration
Furniture manufacturing is another area in which this material is widely used, and it is elastic polyurethane foam that is in demand here. For the first time this material was created back in the 30s in Germany, and today varieties of this material are produced, which are used in the manufacture of mattresses and furniture. Due to the high quality of polyurethane foam, it can be used to decorate various areas of upholstered furniture, where density and rigidity are required, which protects the product from deformation. PPU is widely used to create armrests and head restraints, as well as seats, and the higher the quality of the feedstock, the longer the material will last.
Features of elastic PPU
Flexible polyurethane foam has a different degree of stiffness, so it should be chosen depending on the purpose. For example, PUFs of high softness are in demand in furniture where there are no springs. Elasticity also plays a large role, since the combination of flooring, for example on seats, depends on this factor. It is also important that polyurethane foam meets safety requirements, since each element of furniture is subjected to sanitary and hygienic studies. If the creation of soft elements of complex shape is required, a special molded polyurethane foam is used, which is created in high-precision forms.
For furniture, polyurethane foam, whose characteristics are so diverse, is obtained by mixing various polymers with a synthetic base. The feature of this furniture filler is:
- transformation capabilities;
- various degrees of rigidity;
- reliability;
- longevity.
Polyurethane foam insulation
Polyurethane foam, the technical characteristics of which open up great opportunities for its use in various fields, is formed by mixing two liquid components - polyol and isocyanate. When insulating the walls, the installation of the material is carried out in two ways - by spraying or pouring. The positive aspects of using PPU as a heat-insulating material include the following:
- Polyurethane foam material is ideal for finishing walls, roofs, floors, and work with it can be carried out both from the inside and outside.
- PPU is applied when finishing any surfaces.
- Excellent sound insulation performance.
- High resistance to various chemical compounds - acids and alkalis.
- Possibility of operation in any temperature conditions.
- High mechanical strength.
The sprayed polyurethane foam adheres well to any surface, be it concrete, brick or wood. Filling all cracks and crevices, the material forms a reliable and monolithic coating. When using spraying when decorating a frame house, it provides reliable protection against corrosion, moreover, PPU is resistant to decay, mold and microorganisms.
Cons of insulation
It is widely used when warming houses polyurethane foam. Its technical characteristics are good, but still there are a number of nuances that should be considered when using it. The main drawback is the high cost of the work, especially if you invite specialists with equipment. The second point - if the PUF is ignited, then the fire can be extinguished, but the material itself will smolder for a long time and emit harmful substances. Third - the limitations of the external finish, if polyurethane foam insulation is used. The characteristics allow it to be used on any surface, but you need to consider what material will be used for further finishing.
What do professionals advise?
- Wall insulation using polyurethane foam can only be done outside.
- Indoors, maximum insulation protection should be provided from moisture, sunlight.
- If thermal insulation of frame walls is performed, then the interior must be completely tight so that the finishing material does not let air into the room.
Polyurethane foam: characteristics, customer reviews
This material is widely used for roofing, and two of its varieties are popular here - elastic and hard. The first has an open porous structure, which is internally filled with air or carbon dioxide. This material is good in that it allows to achieve high sound insulation of rooms with a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Rigid polyurethane foam is characterized by a closed-cell structure in which about 3% of the solid, while the rest of the volume, are cells. Due to its high density, this material is widely in demand in construction.
Why exactly PPU?
There are many materials for warming the roofing system, but polyurethane foam is becoming increasingly popular. Comparative characteristics with the usual mineral wool speak in favor of the choice of the first material, and the following are the distinguishing features of the insulation of the PPU roof:
- The material is lightweight and does not deform during prolonged use.
- Due to its porous structure it serves as an excellent protection against moisture.
- When insulated with polyurethane foam, heat loss can be significantly reduced.
- During operation, the material does not emit harmful substances.
It is important that for insulation with polyurethane foam it is not necessary to completely disassemble the structure, since it is applied easily and simply to any surface. Also, it is not necessary to pre-prepare the surface for work, since the PPU itself successfully copes with any of its irregularities. The application is carried out by special equipment, so it is not necessary to cut the mineral wool plates, and then adjust them to each other.
Insulation itself can be performed in two ways - by pouring or by spraying. The first method is good in that it makes it possible to work with any relief and in any of its conditions. Accordingly, you can safely plan various arches, ledges, columns. This method is also good when carrying out work in difficult places, during restoration. In this case, the thermal insulation will be of high quality, tightness, since all seams and joints will be processed. PPU spraying is performed by special equipment, while the density of the applied layer varies.
conclusions
Thus, the characteristics of polyurethane foam are completely different. For furniture, for example, one variety is suitable, for insulation - a completely different one. And if in the first case there are simply no alternatives to this material, then in the case of housing insulation, you can choose from a variety of options. And all modern builders, and those who are engaged in the thermal insulation of their homes on their own, give preference to PPU. Firstly, it is inexpensive. Secondly, it is applied simply and in several ways, which allows you to choose the optimal solution for each user. Thirdly, with proper application it will not leave joints and seams that will be a priori hermetically sealed. So, your house will definitely be warm. No less high-quality mattresses are filled with polyurethane foam, which once again speaks in favor of his choice.