Polyurethane: Difference between revisions
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{{Header|Polyurethane 08/20}} | |||
'''Polyurethane''' (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. While most | '''Polyurethane''' (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. While most [[polyurethane]]s are thermosetting polymers that do not melt when heated, thermoplastic [[polyurethane]]s are also available. | ||
Polyurethane polymers are traditionally and most commonly formed by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a polyol. Both the isocyanates and polyols used to make | Polyurethane polymers are traditionally and most commonly formed by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a polyol. Both the isocyanates and polyols used to make [[polyurethane]]s contain on average two or more functional groups per molecule. | ||
Some noteworthy recent efforts have been dedicated to minimizing the use of isocyanates to synthesize | Some noteworthy recent efforts have been dedicated to minimizing the use of isocyanates to synthesize [[polyurethane]]s, because the isocyanates raise severe toxicity issues. Non-isocyanate based [[polyurethane]]s (NIPUs) have recently been developed as a new class of [[polyurethane]] polymers to mitigate health and environmental concerns. | ||
Polyurethane products often are simply called “urethanes", but should not be confused with ethyl carbamate, which is also called urethane. Polyurethanes neither contain nor are produced from ethyl carbamate. | Polyurethane products often are simply called “urethanes", but should not be confused with ethyl carbamate, which is also called urethane. Polyurethanes neither contain nor are produced from ethyl carbamate. | ||
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==Biodegradation== | ==Biodegradation== | ||
Two species of the Ecuadorian fungus Pestalotiopsis are capable of biodegrading polyurethane in aerobic and anaerobic conditions such as found at the bottom of landfills. Degradation of polyurethane items at museums has been reported. Polyester-type | Two species of the Ecuadorian fungus Pestalotiopsis are capable of biodegrading [[polyurethane]] in aerobic and anaerobic conditions such as found at the bottom of landfills. Degradation of [[polyurethane]] items at museums has been reported. Polyester-type [[polyurethane]]s are more easily biodegraded by fungus than polyether-type. | ||
{{cat|Save the Planet}} | {{cat|Save the Planet}} | ||
{{footer}} | {{footer}} |
Latest revision as of 19:57, 12 March 2024
Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. While most polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers that do not melt when heated, thermoplastic polyurethanes are also available.
Polyurethane polymers are traditionally and most commonly formed by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a polyol. Both the isocyanates and polyols used to make polyurethanes contain on average two or more functional groups per molecule.
Some noteworthy recent efforts have been dedicated to minimizing the use of isocyanates to synthesize polyurethanes, because the isocyanates raise severe toxicity issues. Non-isocyanate based polyurethanes (NIPUs) have recently been developed as a new class of polyurethane polymers to mitigate health and environmental concerns.
Polyurethane products often are simply called “urethanes", but should not be confused with ethyl carbamate, which is also called urethane. Polyurethanes neither contain nor are produced from ethyl carbamate.
Polyurethanes are used in the manufacture of high-resilience foam seating; rigid foam insulation panels; microcellular foam seals and gaskets; durable elastomeric wheels and tires (such as roller coaster, escalator, shopping cart, elevator, and skateboard wheels); automotive suspension bushings; electrical potting compounds; high performance adhesives; surface coatings and surface sealants; synthetic fibers (e.g., Spandex); carpet underlay; hard-plastic parts (e.g., for electronic instruments); condoms; and hoses.
Biodegradation
Two species of the Ecuadorian fungus Pestalotiopsis are capable of biodegrading polyurethane in aerobic and anaerobic conditions such as found at the bottom of landfills. Degradation of polyurethane items at museums has been reported. Polyester-type polyurethanes are more easily biodegraded by fungus than polyether-type.
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