What is polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a plastic that is abbreviated as PUR. This plastic belongs to the polymers and consists of two different segments: a hard segment and a soft segment. Because PU consists of both hard and soft segments the material is rubbery. Besides the two segments, PUR can also be divided into a resin (coating) and a foam.

The plastic exists in both 1- and 2-component versions. The two-components consist of component A, the base resin, and component B, the hardener. With polyurethane resins you use a specific hardener for a certain area of application. After adding this liquid hardener to the A component, a chemical process occurs. This process ensures the hardening of the resin.

Depending on the type of hardener, this will influence the speed and the material properties. With PU's it is important to keep the right proportions. Depending on the type of segment, your material will remain hard or rubber elastic after curing. With the foam version, the material expands in volume according to its density.

Characteristics of polyurethane

Strong
Malleable
Wear-resistant
Isolating
Fluid-tight
High compression and tensile strength
Universally applicable

Applications of polyurethane

Polyurethane resins can be used as coatings, primers, adhesives, lacquers, paints or casting resins. Such as transparent and UV-resistant polyurethane paint for metal or wood. Ideal for finishing parquet or cast floors. In addition, the material is also used as artificial leather and is applied in shoe soles.

The application possibilities of polyurethane resins are unlimited and spread across different sectors.

PU Cast floor

Polyurethane cast floors have been gaining popularity in the domestic market in recent years as a finish for living spaces, kitchens and bedrooms. Thanks to its self-leveling properties, this resin forms an extremely sleek and modern floor finish.

PU cast floors are available in different colors to match the tone of your interior. Thanks to its elastic properties, you can also use it with underfloor heating and obtain an extremely durable and wear-resistant finish.

PU coating

PU coatings are often used in the construction industry. These can be used to make gutters or flat roofs durably waterproof. But also adhesives to glue all kinds of materials find their application in PU resins.

If you want to color polyurethane resins, there are various color pigments with which you can obtain the desired result.

PUR paint Sealine

One of the most common applications of PU is as a varnish or coating. Thanks to the very good UV resistance, a 2K polyurethane paint has been used in industrial applications for years. Especially in the transport, maritime and construction sectors. The durability and high gloss make Sealine PUR an ideal finish for painting your boat.

YC Uniflex Marine

As a 1K PU, you cannot ignore the YC Uniflex Marine joint sealing. This ultra-soft joint filler can be used both on boats and in construction. The UV resistant PUR sealant is permanently elastic and can be painted with virtually any paint. In addition, the PU sealant sticks to any surface, so you can apply it perfectly on wood and concrete.

Thanks to its great adhesive strength and elasticity, this product is therefore ideal for waterproofing joints. Think, for example, of sealing the joints on a teak deck or the joints in the concrete of a terrace or balcony.

PU Foam

Everyone knows the 1K PUR foam in the handy spray can. Ideal for filling and gluing seams and wide joints. Pretty practical for any Do-It-Yourselfer. There are also 2K liquid casting foams. In these there are two varieties: the hard types and the resilient types.

The hard types range from insulation foam to hardwood-like structures. The elastic types range from extremely soft mattress foams to rubber elastic foams, which are often used in the automotive industry.

Think about the dashboard and supports of seats or chairs. However, these fast-drying foams are also widely used in the orthopedic world to make customized supports and cushions.

Working with polyurethane

When working with polyurethane resin it is recommended to use protective clothing such as overalls, gloves and a mouth mask.

Want to learn more about working safely with PU products? Then take the official self-learning e-learning course at safeusediisocyanates.eu (€15 per training, including a certificate). These courses offer specific content tailored to your specific application.

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Summary

Benefits

Universally applicable
Very strong
Available in different shapes Insulating
Colourable
Liquid proof

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Disadvantages

Limited UV-resistance
Critical mixing ratio
Temperature sensitive during processing

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