Polyurethane is a polymeric compound mainly consisting of two types of raw materials - isocyanate and polyol derived from crude oil.
Polyol as one of foamed polyurethane component (component A)
Polyol creates the foamed base of foamed polyurethane in reaction with polyisocyanate. Polyol determines properties of the final product (density, hardness and flammability) and parameters of reaction (instantaneous foaming and hardening during spraying or smooth spreading, expansion and slow hardening during casting).
Polyol creates the foamed base of foamed polyurethane in reaction with polyisocyanate. Polyol determines properties of the final product (density, hardness and flammability) and parameters of reaction (instantaneous foaming and hardening during spraying or smooth spreading, expansion and slow hardening during casting).
Isocyanate as another foamed polyurethane component (component B)
Isocyanate is a dark brown liquid. It is used as the second component (component B) during manufacturing of foamed polyurethane in casting and spraying systems.
Isocyanate is a dark brown liquid. It is used as the second component (component B) during manufacturing of foamed polyurethane in casting and spraying systems.
Fire retardants (trichloroethylphosphate (TCEP)) are the mixtures that are added to the organic component of foamed polyurethane to reduce its flammability.
In production of polyurethane dozens of raw materials of various brands are used. They differ in density, heat conductivity, technological parameters, mechanical properties, water absorption ability, operation temperature, warranty terms, etc.
When two liquid components of the system available for processing are mixed, each containing various additives (catalysts, foaming agents, stabilizers, etc), a reactive mixture is obtained. Depending on the compounding and ratio of components, using the corresponding technique, it is possible to adjust wide range of properties of the polyurethane being manufactured, and obtain rigid, soft, integral, cell, or solid-cast product. Polyurethanes can be viscous liquids or solid products, ranging from highly elastic soft resins to rigid plastics, and can be processed by almost all technological methods available nowadays: extrusion molding, press molding, cast molding, and casting.
Polyurethane is resistant to temperature variation and melts at 300 C. It can be located close to heating equipment. However, the open fire should be avoided. As it does not absorb moisture and odours, it is indispensable for use in places with elevated humidity level. Polyurethane is absolutely friendly to environment. Medical bandages, implants, furniture and many other things are manufactured from this material. The products manufactured from foamed polyurethane are lightweight, rigid, and durable.
Foamed polyurethane (FPU) is a soft polyurethane foam containing 90 % of air by volume. It is used as cushioning and supporting material, and as elastic additive to the goods and insulation. Because of its fine-meshed structure the polyurethane foam is characterized by good elasticity and air permeability.
However, its disadvantage is relatively short service time: very old FPU tends to crumble easely, loses its flexibility and coalesces. However, its main disadvantage is flammability. At present, non-combustible polyurethanes are widely used, that are manufactured using special additives.
Foamed polyurethane has the smallest thermal conductivity module and is used in various applications. These are: thermal insulation, protection of cold and hot water pipelines in residential, industrial and public buildings. It is also used as underlay in construction, automotive industry, furniture, and as picturesque elements in interiors and consumer goods.