People who are interested in modern construction or manufacturing often come across material such as polyurethane. What it is and how it is used, you can learn in detail in this article. This substance is a very flexible polymer that is widely used in various areas of our lives: construction, medicine, heavy, shoe or clothing industry. Naturally, this substance is synthetic. It has many advantages that you will now learn about.
Material advantages
The presented material has a fairly large number of advantages:
路 Resistance to wear, aging and external influences.
路 High strength.
路 There is the possibility of changing the level of elasticity of the material.
路 Ability to use the substance under high load.
A wide temperature range in which polyurethane (what it is you already know) can be used.
路 It is applied in many areas of human life.
路 Sealants, clothing, insulation, shoes, pipes and other products that are used in everyday life are made from it.
路 Durability.
路 Affordable cost. This material, whatever its characteristics, is inexpensive, so it can be purchased by anyone with an average or even minimum salary.
路 Practicality and multifunctionality.
路 Lack of deformation.
路 Does not leave marks on that surface with which interact.
Material properties and specifications
The most common material today is polyurethane. What it is, what advantages it has, you already know. Now we will deal with the technical characteristics of this substance.
So, the presented material can easily work in an aggressive environment, while its quality properties practically do not change. In addition, the substance is perfectly exploited in a fairly wide temperature range: from -60 to +80 degrees. Sometimes it can be heated to 120 about , but this process should not last long, otherwise the material will simply collapse.
The polymer is able to withstand heavy loads, is less susceptible to aging than other substances. It is resistant to wear, moisture, temperature changes, sunlight, salt, organic solvents. Polyurethane (what it is, you already know) is considered a very durable material. Moreover, its elasticity can be programmed during the production process. This material may have different characteristics, on which the scope of its application depends. It should be noted that the polyurethane may consist of one or more components.
Features of the manufacture of the presented material
It should be noted that the production of polyurethane can not be called simple. It takes a lot of strength, labor and energy. The process itself occurs by mixing and
heat treatment of several elements: polyol and isociant. In addition, polyetheramines are still added to this mixture. The whole process is done on fairly expensive equipment.
It should be noted that the feedstock is produced in few countries: Russia, Germany, the USA and Italy. The presented material is made and processed in several ways: casting, pressing, extrusion.
What products are made of the presented material?
Polyurethane is a very common material. A lot of products are made from it. For example, in medicine, it is used for the production of condoms, which are durable, smooth, low cost and environmental friendly. Also, tires for automobile wheels are made from the presented substance. They not only last much longer than rubber ones, but also leave no traces.
It is worth recalling such products made of polyurethane as o-rings, bushings, cuffs. This substance is used as a heater. The presented material is also used in the furniture industry for the manufacture of mattresses. If you buy polyurethane rollers, then you can be sure that they will last a long time.
This material also produces a variety of suction cups, guides, bandages, linings, pulleys, pipe rails and other items.
Where is liquid polyurethane used?
I must say that this material can be used in different forms: liquid, foamed and solid. The first type of substance is most often used for waterproofing flat roofs. The advantage of this material is its resistance to wear, moisture and other external influences. In addition, liquid polyurethane can be used in difficult areas of the roof, where another insulator will be difficult to use.
It should be noted that the presented material can be used to seal holes and cracks in the old roof. The advantages of such waterproofing are:
- good adhesion;
- quick drying;
- strength;
- availability;
- ease of use;
- resistance to the negative impact of the external environment;
- environmental cleanliness.
Decorative products from the presented material: advantages and features of use
I must say that the presented material is used to produce interior decoration elements. For example, decorative polyurethane is used for the production of cornices, ceiling skirting boards or other products. Stucco molding from the presented substance is very popular. It is characterized by strength, resistance to mechanical stress, the ability to create custom shapes. It should be noted that you can make decorative elements to order.
The advantages of such products are:
- strength;
- decorative appeal;
- ease of installation;
- ease of care and maintenance;
- low cost;
- different shades.
I must say that, unlike gypsum decorative elements, polyurethane products do not turn yellow over time. In addition to cornices, you can order the manufacture of columns, pilasters, beams for stairs.
Features and use of foamed polyurethane
The most popular material in construction and repair is foamed polyurethane. It has a low weight, good heat and sound insulation qualities, as well as low cost. It is resistant to steam, moisture, sunlight and temperature extremes.
Using such a substance is quite simple. You just need to apply it to the desired area. However, it should be borne in mind that the material is able to increase in size. The advantage of the substance is good adhesion, the ability to stain.
In principle, these are all the features of using the presented material. Good luck