 Polyurethane chemistry was first studied by the

German chemist, Friedrich Bayer in 1937. He produced

early prototypes by reacting toluene diisocyanate reacted
with dihydric alcohols. From this work one of the first
crystalline polyurethane fibers called Perlon U, was
developed.
 In 1953, the first commercial production of a
flexible polyurethane foam was begun in the United States.
This material was useful for foam insulation. In 1956, more
flexible, less expensive foams were introduced. During the
late 1950s, moldable polyurethanes were produced. Over
the years, improved polyurethane polymers have been
developed including Spandex fibers, polyurethane
coatings, and thermoplastic elastomers.
 We use polyurethanes in one form or another
everyday at a home, in our offices and cars, for sport ,leisure
activities on holiday.
Polyurethanes are versatile, modern & safe. They are
used in wide range of variety of applications to create all
manner of consumer and industrial products that play a
crucial role in making our lives more convenient,
comfortable & environmentally friendly.
polyurethane is plastic material which is exist in
various forms. It can be tailored to be either rigid or flexible.
 Polyurethanes are linear polymers that have a
molecular backbone containing carbamate groups
(NHCO2). These groups, called urethane,
 Polyurethanes can be produced in
four different forms including elastomers,
coatings, flexible foams, and cross-linked
foams. Elastomers are materials that can be
stretched but will eventually return to their
original shape. They are useful in
applications that require strength, flexibility,
abrasion resistance, and shock absorbing
qualities. Thermoplastic polyurethane
elastomers can be molded and shaped into
different parts.
 Their production method can be
broken into three distinct phases. First, the bulk
polymer product is made. Next, the polymer is
exposed to various processing steps. Finally,
the polymer is transformed into its final product
and shipped.
 1 At the start of polyurethane foam
production, the reacting raw materials are
held as liquids in large, stainless steel
tanks. These tanks are equipped with
agitators to keep the materials fluid. A
metering device is attached to the tanks
so that the appropriate amount of reactive
material can be pumped out. A typical
ratio of polyol to diisocyanate is 1:2. Since
the ratio of the component materials
produces polymers with varying
characteristics, it is strictly controlled.
 The reacting materials are passed
through a heat exchanger as they
are pumped into pipes. The
exchanger adjusts the temperature
to the reactive level. Inside the
pipes, the polymerization reaction
occurs. By the time the
polymerizing liquid gets to the end
of the pipe, the polyurethane is
already formed. On one end of the
pipe is a dispensing head for the
polymer.
 The dispensing head is
hooked up to the
processing line. For the
production of rigid
polyurethane foam
insulation, a roll of
baking paper is spooled
at the start of the
processing line. This
paper is moved along a
conveyor and brought
under the dispensing
head.
 As the paper passes under, polyurethane is
blown onto it. As the polymer is dispensed, it is
mixed with carbon dioxide which causes it to
expand. It continues to rise as it moves along the
conveyor. (The sheet of polyurethane is known as
a bun because it "rises" like dough.)
 After the expansion reaction begins, a second top
layer of paper is rolled on. Additionally, side papers
may also be rolled into the process. Each layer of
paper contains the polyurethane foam giving it
shape. The rigid foam is passed through a series of
panels that control the width and height of the foam
bun. As they travel through this section of the
production line, they are typically dried.
At the end of the production line, the foam
insulation is cut with an automatic saw to the
desired length. The foam bun is then conveyored to
the final processing steps that include packaging,
stacking, and shipping.
 Is the material of choice for a broad range of end-user
applications such as:
 1.Insulation of refrigerators and freezers
 2.Building insulations
 3.mattresses
 4.Car parts
 5.coatings
 6.Adhesives
 7.Rollers
 8.Shoe soles
 9.Sportswear
 ֎ The physical properties of
polyurethane are
considerable.
 ֎ polyurethane performs
well for hardness, tensile
strength, compression
strength, impact resistance,
abrasion resistance & tear
strength.
 Wide range of hardness.
 High load bearing capacity.
 Flexibility
 Abrasion & impact Resistance.
 Tear resistance
 Resistance to oil, water, grease.
 Good Electrical insulations.
 Strong bonding properties.
 Fungus resistance.
 Wide Color Ranges.
 Durability- short life
 Odor- emits irritating odor and
flammable fumes.
 Health Problems- releases toxic
fumes which is not healthy to
inhale
 Environmental Issues- Burning of
fumes create greenhouse gases
that affects negative role in
atmosphere.