List of polyurethane applications

Over three quarters of the global consumption of polyurethane products is in the form of foams, with flexible and rigid types being roughly equal in market size.

Polyurethane is also used for moldings which include door frames, columns, balusters, window headers, pediments, medallions and rosettes.

[5] [6] Due to the closed-cell nature of rigid polyurethane foams, PUR insulation has minimal water absorption, which coupled with an appropriate cover, makes it a particularly suitable in applications where bacterial growth is a concern.

Most FPF is manufactured using continuous processing technology and also can be produced in batches where relatively small blocks of foam are made in open-topped molds, boxes, or other suitable enclosurers.

[8] Flexible and semi-flexible polyurethane foams are used extensively for interior components of automobiles, in seats, headrests, armrests, roof liners, dashboards and instrument panels.

Then the mold is usually opened slightly for a minute or two for an additional cure time, before the fully upholstered seat is removed.

The walls and ceiling (not just the insulation) of the futuristic Xanadu House in Florida, USA, were built out of polyurethane foam.

The Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant used flammable polyurethane foam as a firestop, which was accidentally ignited and caused a major fire.

Polyurethane foam is widely used in the marine world in many applications:[9] Some raft manufacturers use urethane for the construction of inflatable boats.

Maravia uses a liquid urethane material which is spray-coated over PVC to enhance air retention and increase abrasion resistance.

Some boat decks including U.S Navy and Pakistani fishing vessels use specialized polyurethane sealants to protect from constant moisture and harsh oceanic elements.

[10] Polyurethane materials are commonly formulated as paints and varnishes for finishing coats to protect or seal wood.

This use results in a hard, abrasion-resistant, and durable coating that is popular for hardwood floors, but considered by some to be difficult or unsuitable for finishing furniture or other detailed pieces.

Various priming techniques are employed to overcome this problem, including the use of certain oil varnishes, specified "dewaxed" shellac, clear penetrating epoxy, or "oil-modified" polyurethane designed for the purpose.

Exterior use of polyurethane varnish may be problematic due to its susceptibility to deterioration through ultra-violet (UV) light exposure.

Polyurethanes are typically the most resistant to water exposure, high humidity, temperature extremes, and fungus or mildew, which also adversely affect varnish and paint performance.

Modern roller blading and skateboarding became economical only with the introduction of tough, abrasion-resistant polyurethane parts, helping to usher in the popularity of what had once been an obscure 1960s craze.

The durability of polyurethane wheels allowed the range of tricks and stunts performed on skateboards to expand considerably.

These latter foam types are also widely encountered in car steering wheels and other interior and exterior automotive parts, including bumpers and fenders.

It is being used to replace traditional rubber bushings which are known to fail or wear out on road surfaces prone to large amounts of salt and chemical debris.

Using polyurethane bushings can have many benefits like maintaining the right alignment of caster, camber and toe and thereby increasing the overall control and handling.

Polyurethane allows production of durable components unlike the conventional fiberglass (FRP) that can easily break upon impact.

Including durability, these body kits when produced by a reputable manufacturer, exhibits less imperfections, are easy to install and maintain, and are affordable.

[13] When fiberglass body kits begin to show cracks, chips from usual wear and tear, a well manufactured polyurethane components have similar durability to a factory installed bumper.

[18] Sheet and flaked semi-open cell hydrophilic polyurethane foams have found application in roof gardens and vertical green walls with commercial products now emerging on the market.

Originally developed in Europe and patented by Uretek, this method of concrete leveling is now widely used in residential, commercial and municipal applications.

Closed cell polyurethane foam can be used as backfill in applications where the high density and compression strength of concrete are not necessary.

[21] In addition to being considerably lighter than concrete, the closed cell nature of the material prevents the transfer of moisture to the structure being supported which can reduce the risk or rot or corrosion.

[22] Environmental variables, natural wear and tear, and weather conditions, can all cause damage to concrete seawalls.