Oct 17, 2018
Polyurethane is an incredible compound that is used in many ways that some people might not know. Polyurethane comes from compounds termed ‘polymers’, which were created in the nineteen thirties. Polyurethane is considered to be one of the best multipurpose polymers in the industry. It is not only used for coatings, but is also used in apparel, appliances, automotive, construction, composite wood, electronics, flooring, furnishings, marine, medical and packaging. As you can see, it has quite an impressive resume!
Four categories can be created from Polyurethanes. They include coatings, cross-linked, flexible foams and elastomers. Each of the Polyurethanes has a unique job that it has to do. Here, we’re going to dive into Polyurethane coatings.
Uses for Polyurethane Coating
When it comes to Polyurethane’s use for coating, its full range of application is impressive.
These applications include:
Floors
There are numerous types of floors that Polyurethane can be applied to. Industrial flooring and commercial complexes are the most common. It is utilized in bowling alleys to give the bowling lanes that unique shine and luster. Polyurethane is also in aircraft hangers and body shops due to its durability.
Aircraft
This class of Polyurethane is aerospace grade and has been used by the United States Navy and Marine Corps, as well as many other companies and manufacturers. Not only does it help with protecting the aircraft, it also helps provide fuel efficiency. Though we see Polyurethane foams more predominantly in aerospace applications, polyurethane coatings are utilized as well.
Industrial Equipment
It can help to protect valuable equipment from the harsh industrial environment. It also improves efficiency, by keeping the machinery working longer.
Vessels
Polyurethane is used to seal marine hulls from corrosion, coastal elements, and harsh weather. It is applied to all categories of boats and ships, of various sizes and uses. Most interestingly, it’s used to secure and seal diving equipment.
Pipelines
This durable covering is used to protect gas and oil pipelines. Many are underwater, and since it can withstand the high pressure and harsh environment, it’s the perfect choice. It can also be used on other categories of piping.
Metal Roofs
Polyurethane can give roofing a longer lifespan than an acrylic base product. Extending the lifespan of an industrial roof can save the business on costly repairs. For this reason, it’s a wonderful choice for any project manager looking to save on their bottom line.
Wind Turbines
Coatings are used on the blades and bases of wind turbines. Polyurethane is a commonly used coating for these projects, since they can increase their energy efficiency in addition to protecting the machinery.
This coating is used in many places in our lives. It has many positive uses. Of course, there are some drawbacks to using Polyurethane coatings.
Disadvantages of Polyurethane Coating
Some of the drawbacks to using PU Coatings are:
- Exposure – If it is exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, it can weaken its strength.
- Health Difficulties – The fumes that are emitted from applying the coating can cause problems with the lungs, eyes and skin. The fumes can also trigger allergic reactions, making it hard to work around.
- Odor – This disadvantage is tied together with the previous one. When working with this covering, you will need to take care to use protective gear to help lessen the effects. Proper safety measures are important in any industrial or commercial project.
If you are considering Polyurethane for your next project, you should seek the knowledge of a qualified company that has extensive experience with this coating. There is specific guidelines for surface preparation and cleanup that should not be attempted by novices.
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I'm well-versed in the world of polyurethane and its extensive applications, especially in coatings. Polyurethane is a versatile compound derived from polymers, originating in the 1930s. It's notably recognized for its multifunctional utility across various industries, including apparel, automotive, construction, marine, medical, and more.
In the context of coatings, polyurethane stands out for its diverse applications, falling into four primary categories: coatings, cross-linked, flexible foams, and elastomers. Its usage spans across multiple sectors:
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Floors: Polyurethane is commonly applied in industrial and commercial flooring, providing durability and a glossy finish. Locations like bowling alleys, aircraft hangars, and body shops benefit from its robustness.
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Aircraft: Aerospace-grade polyurethane safeguards aircraft, enhancing both protection and fuel efficiency. While polyurethane foams are more prevalent, coatings are also utilized in aerospace applications.
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Industrial Equipment: Protecting machinery in harsh industrial environments, polyurethane coatings improve efficiency and longevity.
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Vessels: Used to seal marine hulls from corrosion and harsh weather, polyurethane finds applications across boats and ships, even securing diving equipment.
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Pipelines: Employed for the protection of gas and oil pipelines, especially in underwater and high-pressure environments.
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Metal Roofs: Enhancing the lifespan of industrial roofs, polyurethane coatings outperform acrylic-based products, saving businesses from costly repairs.
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Wind Turbines: Applied on turbine blades and bases, these coatings aid in both energy efficiency and machine protection.
While polyurethane coatings offer numerous advantages, they do come with some drawbacks:
- Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight weakens the coating's strength.
- Health Concerns: Fumes emitted during application can lead to lung, eye, and skin issues, triggering allergic reactions.
- Odor: The strong odor necessitates protective gear and proper safety measures during application.
For those considering polyurethane coatings for projects, it's crucial to engage qualified companies with extensive experience. Surface preparation and cleanup require specific guidelines that shouldn't be attempted by novices.
The provided article covers a comprehensive range of applications of polyurethane coatings, highlighting their versatility and significance across industries like aerospace, marine, construction, and more. It outlines the advantages and drawbacks, emphasizing the importance of expertise when dealing with this compound.
