The Many Uses of Polyurethane

What is polyurethane and what are polyurethane wheels made out of? This is a very common question. Polyurethane is a foam that fills cavities and is used in sealants for thousands of products, from swimming pools to huge ships. There are many reasons why this material has become so popular over the years. Perhaps one of the main reasons for its popularity is that it is a very strong, durable material. In fact, polyurethane has been around for decades, but it is only recently that it has gained popularity as a sealant.

Poly Foam Sealant

You have probably seen this foam on many things. For example, many people know that it goes into pillows and mattresses to make them more comfortable. Some people even have polyurethane in their garage to help protect the inside of their cars. And finally, you may have noticed this sticky substance on TV shows, making it seem almost an everyday occurrence.

Basically, it is a foaming agent. It is also known as resins, although foam is a much more common replacement for resins because it is easier to work with and often makes better seals. However, the polyurethane industry is booming, and there are a lot of different polyurethane products out there. Let’s take a look at some of the more common types of sealants out there.

Other Uses

Polyurethane is mostly used as a sealant for plastic and rubber products, particularly products that need to be resistant to extreme heat, such as bumpers, gaskets, and wheels. The polyurethane foam comes in liquid form and expands when sprayed or squeezed, so it seals against heat better than a liquid foam would, which is why it is the most commonly found sealant.

Repairing Agent

Another use for polyurethane is to repair metal. Since it is also a foaming agent, it bonds with corrosion-prone metals better than water-based solutions would. It also reduces the effect of mildew on metal surfaces, since the resins eliminate any organic materials on the surface. Many automobile parts, for instance, have polyurethane injected into them after they’re cleaned to keep them looking new. The material also works great for bumpers and gaskets, since it’s easy to apply and clean up.

Of course, the polyurethane you get today is probably not the original version of what was polyurethane back in the 1970s. Today’s versions are typically more stable and resistant to both heat and corrosion. So when you’re looking for a way to protect your investment, whether it’s a boat, truck, air conditioner, or garage door, it might be a good idea to look into polyurethane.