What is urethane?

 Chemistry

Polyurethanes are in the class of compounds called reaction polymers, which include epoxies, unsaturated polyesters, and phenolic. Polyurethanes are produced by reacting an isocyanate containing two or more isocyanate groups per molecule (R−(N=C=O)n ≥ 2) with a polyol containing on average two or more hydroxyl groups per molecule (R'−(OH)n ≥ 2) in the presence of a catalyst or by activation with ultraviolet light.

Polyurethane is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. While most polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers that do not melt when heated, thermoplastic polyurethanes are also available.

Polyurethane is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. While most polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers that do not melt when heated, thermoplastic polyurethanes are also available.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was discovered in the late 1930s as part of Germany's World War II research. It is thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), which combines the mechanical and physical properties of rubber with the advantages of thermo plasticity and process ability. Other examples of TPEs include polyethylene and polypropylene.

Noted for its high performance and general overall toughness, urethane rapidly became the material of choice for a wide range of critical and "can't fail" applications. Urethane's unique characteristics make it an extremely versatile material that outperforms many other thermoplastics. For example, it retains its flexibility even at low temperatures, where polyvinyl chloride (PVC) becomes brittle.

On a molecular level, urethane is comprised of the four most common elements in the world: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. To be a urethane, it must contain the molecular urethane linkage (NHCO2).

The actual chemistry consists of a series of block copolymers with alternating hard and soft phases. A block copolymer is a string of chemically different molecules in repeated sequences. The ratio and molecular structure of these segments determines the specific characteristics of the resin, which can be varied by modifying its chemical backbone.

Depending upon its chemical makeup, the urethane soft phase is generally either Polyether or Polyester. These two categories are further segmented into Aliphatic or Aromatic hard segments.

a)      Polyether urethane provides a softer “feel” or drape than polyester, with better moisture vapour transmission rates and superior low temperature properties. It is also inherently stable when exposed to high humidity, and polyethers are naturally more fungus resistant.

 b)     Polyester urethane offers greater toughness (i.e. abrasion resistance, tensile/tear strength) at a given durometer than polyether. It is more resistant to fuels, and offers better aging (oxidation) resistance. However, polyester urethanes will eventually break down when exposed to conditions of high humidity.

 c)      Aliphatic urethane is inherently light stable, resistant to ultraviolet light degradation, and provides excellent optical clarity. It is used as an optical interlayer, providing strength as a lamination adhesive in encapsulated glass and security glazing, to name a few applications. It is often a more expensive product.

 d)     Aromatic urethane is a strong, general-purpose resin originally developed as synthetic rubber. It is generally less expensive than aliphatic urethanes, but it is susceptible to UV light degradation, which tends to yellow the polymer without affecting physical properties.

Properties:

Polyurethane combines the best properties of rubber and plastic, without the weaknesses inherent in plasticized vinyl films. Because it contains no plasticizers, it is not subject to the brittleness and other problems caused when they leach to the surface. Urethane is easy to work with, and is readily modified to suit a particular application through the addition of fillers, colours, stabilizers, and lubricants, as well as other additives. Urethane compounds possess a combination of properties which are not available in any other thermoplastic material, offering significant design flexibility.

· ·         Thermosetting mechanisms: Paints that cure by polymerization are generally one- or two-package coatings that polymerize by way of a chemical reaction, and cure into a crosslinked film. Depending on composition they may need to dry first, by evaporation of solvent. Classic two-package epoxies or polyurethanes would fall into this category. The drying oils, counter-intuitively, actually cure by a cross-linking reaction even if they are not put through an oven cycle and seem to simply dry in air. The film formation mechanism of the simplest examples involve first evaporation of solvents followed by reaction with oxygen from the environment over a period of days, weeks and even months to create a cross-linked network

·         Durometer (Hardness). Urethane film and sheet can be produced in a range of durometer (Shore A 75 - Shore D 55) from a very stiff material to a very thin film having an extremely soft, non-plastic "feel" or "hand". The latter is ideal for use in products that come in contact with the skin.

·         Low temperature flexibility Urethanes feature superior flexibility over a wide durometer range, even at temperatures as low as -60°F.

·         Tensile strength. A tensile strength range from 4,000 to 10,000 psi assures reliability and durability over the lifespan of the end product. Because urethanes are tough, they can be used in thinner gauges when compared to vinyl.

·         Elongation Urethane film and sheet can elongate as much as 800% and return to its original dimension without significant loss of "memory."

·         Abrasion resistance Urethane provides excellent abrasion resistance. For example, it is used in profile form as a conveyor drive belt, and to protect elevator cables and pulleys from excessive wear while cushioning the ride.

·         Chemical and environmental resistance Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, chemicals, ozone, bacteria, fungus, and moisture, as well as skin oils Polyether or polyester urethanes offer specific characteristics that provide durability and long life to products that must survive and perform in harsh industrial environments.

Typical Applications

Because of its toughness and versatility, as well as a generally higher price tag than other TPEs, urethane is typically used for parts requiring a high level of performance. These applications frequently demand a flexible material with a high degree of flex resistance, wear ability, and durability. Particularly at lower temperatures, other materials do not provide this combination of properties. These are some of the reasons it makes an ideal protection for automotive upholstery (finished leather)