The simplest of all polymerization processes

The conversion of monomer into a polymer

without the aid of a solvent
A homogeneous system with an organic
initiator.
No problem with getting
solvent out of the
finished product (since
no solvent is used.)
High rates of
polymerization
High degrees of
polymerization
High purity
Rapid increase of
viscosity leads to
inefficient stirring
Difficult to remove
heat evolved upon
polymerization.
Removal of unreacted
monomer can be a problem.
Can be produced in four
different forms including
elastomers, coatings,
flexible foams, and cross-
linked foams.

Consist of a primary
long-chain backbone
molecule containing
carbamate groups (-
NHCO2).

Known as
polycarbamates

Polyurethane chemistry
was first studied by the
German chemist,
Friedrich Bayer in 1937.

Made by the exothermic reactions between alcohols with two or
more reactive hydroxyl (-OH) groups per molecule (diols, triols,
polyols) and isocyanates that have more than one reactive
isocyanate group (-NCO) per molecule (diisocyanates,
polyisocyanates).
Diisocyanate reacts
with a diol:
Depending on the different diisocyanates and diol or polyol
constituents, the resulting polyurethane might be in the form
of a liquid, foam or solid. Each form has its own advantages
and limitations.
Properties of polyurethane
Resilient, flexible and durable manufactured
material
Can take the place of paint, cotton, rubber,
metal or wood in thousands of applications
across virtually all fields.
Can be hard like fiberglass, squishy
like upholstery foam, protective like varnish,
bouncy like rubber or sticky like glue

Reduce heat loss in
homes and offices in
cold weather.

During the summer,
they keep buildings
cool, which means air
conditioning is needed
less.

Polyurethane rigid foam is
the insulating material
which is most widely used
for refrigerators and
freezers.

The insulation efficiency
of polyurethane foams is a
key for the low
temperature preservation
of food during processing,
storage and distribution to
the consumer.
Polyurethanes could be made into fine threads by
combining them with nylon to make more
lightweight, stretchable garments.
Examples are sock tops, brassieres, support hose,
swimsuits, and other athletic apparel.
Light but highly
abrasion-resistant
polyurethanes are perfect
for hardwearing shoe
soles, with excellent long-
term mechanical
properties.
Widely used in car
manufacture, offering real
benefits in terms of comfort,
protection and energy
conservation.

Polyurethane foams can be
found in seats, armrests and
headrests of most cars due
to cushioning properties

Can be found within the bodies of
cars, where their insulation
properties provide protection
against the heat and noise of the
engine.

Dashboard, bumpers
Many modern coatings, whether
for vehicles and cables, floors and
walls, or bridges and roads, contain
polyurethanes
Safely and effectively shield
exposed surfaces from the elements
and various forms of pollution, so
that they look better and last longer.
Available in the form of glues
that can safely bind together
quite different materials, such
as wood, rubber, cardboard or
glass.

Some polyurethane is categorized as an elastomer.

It has elastic properties while maintaining some rigidity,
durable, abrasion resistance and chemical and oil
resistance.

Applications include rollers and belts to carry minerals in
quarrying operations, wheels for Rollerblades and
hospital trolleys, rollers for printing processes and hoses.