Polyurethane is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate links. It exists as both thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers. Polyurethane is used in applications such as flexible and rigid foams, fibers, elastomers, adhesives, coatings, and plastics. It is traditionally made by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a polyol. Polyurethane has properties including hardness, strength, resistance and is used in applications like furniture, appliances, composites, electronics, boats, and packaging due to its insulating and protective abilities. Some fungi are able to biodegrade polyurethane.

1. Polyurethane

2. Introduction
 Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of a chain
of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links.
 Most of the polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers that they
don't melt when heated, but thermoplastic polymers are also
available.
 Polyurethanes are used in the manufacture of nonflexible, high-
resilience foam seating; microcellular foam seals and gaskets;
durable elastomeric wheels and tires (such as roller
coaster, escalator and skateboard wheels);;; high
performance adhesives; surface coatings and surface
sealants; synthetic fibers ; hard-plastic parts (e.g., for electronic
instruments); and hoses.

3. Preparation
 Polyurethane polymers are traditionally and most
commonly formed by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with
a polyol.

4. Physical properties
 Hardness
 Tensile strength
 Compression strength
 Impact resistance
 Abrasion resistance
 Tear strength

5. Applications
 When scientists discovered that polyurethanes could be made
into fine threads, they were combined with nylon to make
more lightweight, stretchable garments.
 The most common use for polyurethanes in major appliances is
rigid foams for refrigerator and freezer thermal insulation
systems.
 The good thermal insulating properties of rigid polyurethane
foams result from the combination of a fine, closed-cell foam
structure and cell gases that resist heat transfer.

6.  Polyurethanes play a major role in modern materials, such as composite
wood.
 Polyurethanes based binders are used in composite wood products to
permanently glue organic materials into oriented strand board, medium-
density fiberboard, long-strand lumber, laminated-veneer lumber.
 Non-foam polyurethanes are frequently used in the electrical and
electronics industries to encapsulate, seal and insulate fragile, pressure-
sensitive, microelectronic components, underwater cables and printed
circuit boards. Which are oftenly referred as “potting compounds”.

7.  Polyurethane, mostly in the form of flexible foam, is one of the
most popular materials used in home furnishings such as
furniture, bedding and carpet underlay.
 As a cushioning material for upholstered furniture, flexible
polyurethane foam works to make furniture more durable,
comfortable and supportive.

8.  Polyurethane epoxy resins seal boat hulls from water, weather,
corrosion and elements that increase drag, affect hydrodynamics
and reduce durability.
 Polyurethane packaging foam is widely used to safely protect and
transport many items, such as electronic and medical diagnostic
equipment, delicate glassware and large industrial parts.

9. Biodegradation
 Two species of the Ecuadorian fungus Pestalotiopsis are
capable of biodegrading Polyurethane in aerobic and
anaerobic conditions
 Polyester type polyurethanes are more easily biodegraded
by fungus than polyether type.

10. Thank You