What is polyurethane?

What is polyurethane?

Looking for quality lightweight mining products? Look no further than polyurethane.

Polyurethane is made of two main chemical components; polymers and urethane – tending to its name ‘polyurethane’ or ‘PU’.

Polyurethane’s chemical makeup closely aligns as more of a plastic, than a rubber.

When the polymers are linked using the urethane, it creates a versatile product than can be manipulated as a liquid, solid, or flexible.

Polyurethane is lightweight, fire and heat resistant, revealing its many applications – you might be surprised to find polyurethane is used in many household items that you use every day! For example, many car parts, refrigerators, and paints/varnishes contain polyurethane.

Did you know: The first widespread use of polyurethane occurred during World War II. Rubber was expensive to buy and hard to source, so polyurethane was used as a replacement. Its application ranged from resistant clothing to aeroplane coating. Polyurethane remains an affordable alternative today with various applications, such as, polyurethane foam and polyurethane coating.

What is polyurethane used for?

Polyurethane has a wide range of uses.

Industrial polyurethane products are on the rise. Polyurethane coating of industrial products, mining products, and construction products has gained popularity. Polyurethane coating creates heat resistance, reduces OHS risks, and extends the life of the product.

Check out National Plastics & Rubbers durable wheel chocks - designed to withstand tough conditions in the mining industry. 

Polyurethanes use in construction has also grown greatly over the past few years. We have seen a shift from the traditional bulky equipment, to flexible, movable, and durable building equipment – such as polyurethane.

Did you know: Polyurethane in construction is frequently used as a cheap alternative for insulation – we are always surprised by the many uses of this product!

Browse our website or contact us today to reap the benefits of the best polyurethane products in Canada and North America.

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