Polyurethane

A polyurethane is any polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane links.

It can be made in a variety of textures and hardnesses by varying the particular monomers used and adding other substances. It is used in adhesives, elastomers, foams, seals, gaskets, condoms, carpet underlayment, and hard parts.

The largest use of polyurethane is foam rubber. Commonly to make foam rubber, water is mixed with a liquid polyurethane and chemically reacts with it. During the reaction Carbon dioxide is released , creating bubbles in the liquid, which then hardens to form a solid foam. This reaction forms a urea linkage -NC(O)N-, between the polyurethane molecules.

It is now also used in making tires. Modern roller blading and skate boarding became economical only with the introduction of tough, abrasion resistant polyurethane parts.

fr:Polyuréthane nl:Polyurethaan de:Polyurethan pl:Poliuretan