Polyurethane is an elastomer invented by Professor Dr. Otto Bayer in the early 20th century. It is formed through a process called diisocyanate polyaddition where a polyol is reacted with a diisocyanate or polymeric isocyanate. This process allows a wide range of polyurethanes to be manufactured for different applications. Polyurethane can be flexible, rigid, or rebond foams and is widely used in applications like composite wood products, sealants, adhesives, and carpet cushion.

1. POLYURETHANEPOLYURETHANE
Materials ScienceMaterials Science

2. What is Polyurethane?What is Polyurethane?
 A type of elastomer which is capable ofA type of elastomer which is capable of
experiencing large and reversible elasticexperiencing large and reversible elastic
deformations.deformations.
 It’s amorphous, having molecular chainsIt’s amorphous, having molecular chains
that are naturally coiled and kinked in itsthat are naturally coiled and kinked in its
unstressed state.unstressed state.

3. Who Invented it?Who Invented it?
 The underlying chemistry behindThe underlying chemistry behind
polyurethane was first developedpolyurethane was first developed
byby Professor Dr. Otto BayerProfessor Dr. Otto Bayer (1902-(1902-
1982).1982).
 He invented the DiisocyanateHe invented the Diisocyanate
Polyaddition Process which is thePolyaddition Process which is the
base patent in the polyurethanebase patent in the polyurethane
industry.industry.

4. What is the DiisocyanateWhat is the Diisocyanate
Polyaddition Process ?Polyaddition Process ?
 Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyolPolyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol
(an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl(an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl
groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or agroups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a
polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitablepolymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable
catalysts and additives.catalysts and additives.
 Since a multitude of different diisocyanates andSince a multitude of different diisocyanates and
polyols can be used to produce polyurethane, apolyols can be used to produce polyurethane, a
broad range of polyurethanesbroad range of polyurethanes can becan be
manufactured to meet the requirements formanufactured to meet the requirements for
specific applications.specific applications.

5. The Forms of PolyurethaneThe Forms of Polyurethane
FLEXIBLE – Solid &
Foams
REBOND - Foams
RIGID – Resins
(Table-top
covers, furniture
protection, etc)

6. Where is Polyurethane Used?Where is Polyurethane Used?
Polyurethane-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, strawboard and
particleboard.
Polyurethane-based sealants are used in joints and
openings to help prevent the passage of gases, liquids,
and solids (dust and dirt). Similarly, polyurethane-based
adhesives are used to bond wall and ceiling panels to the
structural frame, and floor joists to the sub-floor decking.
Bonded polyurethane carpet cushion which is made
with re-used flexible polyurethane foam (FPF). With the
ability to be recycled and its high recycle content,
bonded carpet cushion creates a valuable use for a
material that would otherwise require disposal.

7. Where is Polyurethane Used?Where is Polyurethane Used?
Polyurethane-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, strawboard and
particleboard.
Polyurethane-based sealants are used in joints and
openings to help prevent the passage of gases, liquids,
and solids (dust and dirt). Similarly, polyurethane-based
adhesives are used to bond wall and ceiling panels to the
structural frame, and floor joists to the sub-floor decking.
Bonded polyurethane carpet cushion which is made
with re-used flexible polyurethane foam (FPF). With the
ability to be recycled and its high recycle content,
bonded carpet cushion creates a valuable use for a
material that would otherwise require disposal.