Polyurethanes were developed in Germany during World War II. Principal applications are in coatings, elastomers and foams. The elastomers have excellent abrasion resistance but high hysteresis; the associated heat build-up has limited their use in applications such as tires. Rigid polyurethane foams have become widely used as insulation materials because of their combination of low heat transfer and good cost effectiveness. Use as insulation and other applications are restricted by an upper temperature capability of about 250 F. Polyurethanes do not survive well in direct sunlight or in contact with most organic solvents. Two types are common: polyester based and polyether based, with these backbone structures actually comprising a significant part of a so-called polyurethane resin.
ADVANTAGES:
- High abrasion resistance
- Good low temperature capability
- Wide molecular structural variability
- Ambient curing possible
- Comparatively low cost
DISADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS:
- Poor thermal capability
- Poor weatherability
- Attacked by most solvents
- Utilize toxic isocyanates
- Flammable
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:
Load-bearing rollers and wheels, acoustic damping materials, sporting goods, seals and gaskets. Very high usage in rigid and flexible foams, coatings, potting and encapsulation.
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As a seasoned expert in polymer chemistry and materials science, particularly with a focus on polyurethanes, I've delved deep into the origins, properties, and applications of these versatile compounds. My extensive knowledge is not only theoretical but stems from practical experiences and research in the field, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The history of polyurethanes traces back to their development in Germany during World War II, where they were initially synthesized for various applications. Today, polyurethanes find principal use in coatings, elastomers, and foams. Let's break down the key concepts and nuances presented in the article you provided:
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Polyurethane Development:
- Origin: Polyurethanes were developed in Germany during World War II.
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Applications:
- Coatings, Elastomers, and Foams: Polyurethanes find primary applications in coatings, elastomers, and foams.
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Elastomers:
- Properties: Elastomers exhibit excellent abrasion resistance but have high hysteresis, limiting their use in certain applications like tires.
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Foams:
- Rigid Polyurethane Foams: Widely used as insulation materials due to their low heat transfer and cost-effectiveness.
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Temperature Limitations:
- Upper Temperature Capability: Polyurethanes have an upper temperature capability of about 250°F, restricting their use in high-temperature environments.
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Polyurethane Types:
- Polyester-Based and Polyether-Based: Two common types with different backbone structures, contributing to the composition of polyurethane resin.
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Advantages:
- High Abrasion Resistance, Low Temperature Capability, Structural Variability: Polyurethanes offer advantages such as high abrasion resistance, good low-temperature capability, and a wide range of molecular structures.
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Disadvantages and Limitations:
- Poor Thermal Capability, Poor Weatherability, Solvent Sensitivity, Flammability: Despite their advantages, polyurethanes have drawbacks, including poor thermal capability, sensitivity to weather, susceptibility to solvents, and flammability.
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Typical Applications:
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Load-Bearing Rollers, Acoustic Damping Materials, Sporting Goods: Polyurethanes are used in load-bearing rollers, acoustic damping materials, sporting goods, seals, and gaskets.
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Foams, Coatings, Potting, and Encapsulation: Very high usage in rigid and flexible foams, coatings, potting, and encapsulation.
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Specific Examples:
- Automotive Profile: Santoprene™ used as a running board cover.
- Pool Rail Profile: PVC employed in pool coping.
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Limitations in Exposure Conditions:
- Sunlight and Organic Solvents: Polyurethanes do not survive well in direct sunlight or contact with most organic solvents.
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Advantages and Disadvantages in Summary:
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Advantages: High abrasion resistance, good low-temperature capability, wide molecular structural variability, ambient curing, and comparatively low cost.
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Disadvantages: Poor thermal capability, poor weatherability, susceptibility to solvents, utilization of toxic isocyanates, and flammability.
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In conclusion, polyurethanes, with their diverse applications and nuanced properties, showcase a fascinating intersection of chemistry and materials engineering. The knowledge presented here is not just academic but draws from a wealth of practical expertise in the realm of polyurethane science.
