Temperature Range (depending on grade):
Constant Low: -40°C Intermittent Low:
Constant High: +120°C Intermittent High:
Properties and Applications
Polyurethane can be a solid or can have an open cellular structure, in which case it is called foam… and foams can be flexible or rigid.
As a simple explanation polyurethane foam is made by reacting polyols and diisocyanates, both products derived from crude oil. A series of additives are necessary to produce high-quality PU foam products, depending on the application the foam will be used for.
Polyurethane foam has two main types: ester and ether based. Their properties can be varied in accordance with market requirements. As the hardness allocated to a given density can be changed, by changing these two properties special effects meeting customer’s demands can be achieved. Consequently, wide utilisation opportunities lie in these foams. They can be applied for packaging, vibration damping, sealing, flame laminating in the textile industry, and for upholstering.
Polyester Polyurethane foam is a flexible foam available in various densities. The foam is non-reticulated and has the appearance of sparkling cells. Typically charcoal grey in colour this foam can also be supplied flame retardant form. Polyester foam has good tensile strength qualities and we supply this foam into markets where repeated flexing occurs. It’s appearance is also well suited to presentation display products and case inserts.
Polyether Polyurethane foam, also a flexible foam, has the added benefit of different hardness factors in relation to its density. Polyether foam is the everyday work horse foam for the foam industry and is used extensively in the packaging industry. There are a number of special grades which combine functionality with performance. High Load Bearing (HLB) foam is of particular interest to the electronics market where cushioning fragile components is key. Equally, anti-static foams are designed to eliminate static potential from the foam itself and to dissipate electro-static discharge from other sources.
Additional Information
Please review materials 413 and 414 respectively.
