Polyurethane
Polyurethane Elastomer Materials
High Tensile Strength and Elasticity for Harsh Environments
Polyurethane is part of a group of plastics known as elastomeric polymers, which includes rubber. While it is not technically a rubber or a plastic—and is more accurately referred to as a true elastomer—polyurethane offers many similar characteristics including excellent wear resistance, high tensile strength, and high elasticity. If you need strong performance in a harsh environment, polyurethane is an ideal choice.
There are two different types of polyurethane to be familiar with:
● Polyester urethane (AU)
● Polyether urethane (EU)
The AU elastomers generally offer better physical properties than EU elastomers, including better resistance to hydraulic fluids. We see clients use polyurethane for a variety of applications due to its relatively low cost and its ease of use. If you are interested in polyurethane for your sealing needs, please contact our team to discuss your application.
Choose Polyurethane for Sealing Needs
The Benefits of Polyurethane Elastomers
Whether you manufacture automobile parts and components, medical devices, or liquid coatings, polyurethane may be the right choice for your application.
The many benefits of polyurethane include:
- Good permeability
- High abrasion, cut, and tear resistance
- Higher hardness rating than natural rubber (and more load bearing capacity)
- Ability to perform in harsh environments
- Resistant to mold, mildew, and fungus growth
- Thermal resistance up to 180° F/82° C
- Cold flexibility down to -40° F/-40° C
- Economical manufacturing process
Because of its low cost, polyurethane can be used for a variety of applications, including those that require resistance to pure aliphatic hydrocarbons (like propane or fuel), mineral oil, silicone oil, and grease. The EU elastomers can be used for water applications up to 125° F/50° C. Polyurethane also offers ozone and aging resistance.
Take note that polyurethane is not compatible with:
- Ketones
- Esters
- Ethers
- Alcohols
- Glycols
- Hot water (above 125° F/50° C, per above)
- Steam
- Acids and alkalis
- Amines