Global Experts to Detail Polyurethanes Market Trends & Innovations at UTECH …
LONDON & MAASTRICHT, Netherlands, Apr 10, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Global market trends and the latest technical, legislative and commercial innovations in polyurethanes (PU) technology will be discussed in detail at the UTECH Europe 2012 exhibition and …
Read more on MarketWatch (press release)

Bayer introduces energy-efficient polyurethane for cars
Bayer MaterialScience has announced that the company has developed an extensive range of polyurethane materials with high energy efficiency for use in the automotive sector. The company will be showcasing the Bayflex RIM Light Weight polyurethane …
Read more on R & D Magazine

by dennyschmickle

Article by hi joiney

HC WIRE: March 12-14 this year, organized by the Indian Polyurethane Association, the second polyurethane exhibition and conference? PUTECH2008? In New Delhi, “India and Exhibition Centre” was held. Global 105 exhibitors, almost all of the polyurethane industry giants have appeared, such as BASF, Bayer, Dow, Evonik, Huntsman and Chemtura, Si Taipan, etc., Chinese enterprises also took part in Yantai Wanhua. The number of visitors reached more than 2,200. Exhibitors are not only producers of raw materials, but also downstream users, there are equipment manufacturers. Meanwhile, a total of more than 30 technical papers, 115 listeners. They gathered to discuss the latest developments in polyurethane industry trend. In terms of size or content, PUTECH2008 are considered a polyurethane industry event that this exhibition and conference on what to convey some important information? What industry personnel has reached a consensus? Polyurethane industry in China which reference point? Global polyurethane network for exclusive special report, to bring you information about this event. First of all, the Indian Polyurethane Association, Vice-Chairman, Mr. G. Ramachandran welcome speech, and probably who introduced the Indian PU development. He said: “India’s many new high-tech products, many containing polyurethane, but most of the purchasing power of more than ordinary people. However, despite the global recession in many parts of the situation, the polyurethane industry in India can still maintain 12% average annual growth rate. ” Then President of the Indian Polyurethane Association of India RahulGautam President pointed out that the polyurethane industry development opportunities. He believes that, although India is not a sound infrastructure, education and health of the people are not ideal, but India has 400 million young labor force, 2020 will be the world’s second largest consumer market. “By 2020, Asia will become the center of globalization, and there will be more and more Indian companies produce. India has all the geo-political influence to become a member of the Group of Eight.” That the challenges facing the polyurethane industry he considers it necessary to improve product quality and meet relevant regulatory requirements. Mr. RahulGautam expressed complete confidence in the future of polyurethane, and per capita consumption increased from 200 grams to 1000 grams (to 2020), when the total consumption will reach 1.2 million tons. Then, GunterOertel Dr. for a report summarizing the development of the global polyurethane industry. He said that as early as 1980, global demand for polyurethane only 300 million tons, but as applications become more diversified and emerging markets such as China and India, increased demand, the situation has undergone tremendous changes. He stressed that raw materials in production scale is needed, but also in energy costs and soaring transportation costs have to be present efforts to balance the cost. Therefore, he suggested, “manufacturers of raw materials to factories in the past from the market place”, also revealed that the current global production capacity of the distribution: EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region: 38%; Asia-Pacific 29%; the North American Free Trade District: 25%; other: 8%, of which the Asia-Pacific region will be the world’s largest producer of polyurethane. The Indian market, polyurethane production in 2007 was 18 million tons, the future will be double-digit growth. However, due to lack of raw material, polyurethane industry in India relies heavily on imports. He also called on India to more investment, joint ventures. Opening report is the final appearance of the BASF Polyurethanes Asia Pacific Group Vice President, Mr. Zhou Yingci, he has made on environmental issues to the polyurethane industry, the impact of the report, noting in particular the impact on Asia. To 2012, Asia Polyurethane capacity is expected to reach 3.5 million tons, accounting for 38% of the world’s total production capacity, the development of the global polyurethanes industry plays an important role. Week should give that on the one hand, environmental problems that restrict the urethane industry. If the most recent two factories in Asia, the accident occurred (Icheon City, Gyeonggi-do South Korea built near a frozen warehouse on Jan. 7, 2008 caused an explosion and fire, and May 11, 2007 China’s Hebei Cangzhou Dahua Group Co. Section of TDI nitrification liability company subsidiary of a nitrification plant explosion), media reports after the explosion to the polyurethane industry in the eyes of the public image of many negative results.

Find More Polyurethane Articles

by savannahchik

Article by jekky

History The pioneering work on polyurethane polymers was conducted by Otto Bayer and his coworkers in 1937 at the laboratories of I G Farben in Leverkusen Germany They recognized that using the polyaddition principle to produce polyurethanes from liquid diisocyanates and liquid polyether or polyester diols seemed to point to special opportunities especially when compared to already existing plastics that were made by polymerizing olefins or by polycondensation The new monomer combination also circumvented existing patents obtained by Wallace Carothers on polyesters Initially work focused on the production of fibres and flexible foams With development constrained by World War II when PUs were applied on a limited scale as aircraft coating it was not until 1952 that polyisocyanates became commercially available Commercial production of flexible polyurethane foam began in 1954 based on toluene diisocyanate TDI and polyester polyols The invention of these foams initially called imitation swiss cheese by the inventors was thanks to water accidentally introduced in the reaction mix These materials were also used to produce rigid foams gum rubber and elastomers Linear fibres were produced from hexamethylene diisocyanate HDI and 1 4 butanediol BDO The first commercially available polyether polyol poly tetramethylene ether glycol was introduced by DuPont in 1956 by polymerizing tetrahydrofuran Less expensive polyalkylene glycols were introduced by BASF and Dow Chemical the following year 1957 These polyether polyols offered technical and commercial advantages such as low cost ease of handling and better hydrolytic stability and quickly supplanted polyester polyols in the manufacture of polyurethane goods Other PU pioneers were Union Carbide and the Mobay corporation a U S Monsanto Bayer joint venture In 1960 more than 45 000 tons vague of flexible polyurethane foams were produced As the decade progressed the availability of chlorofluoroalkane blowing agents inexpensive polyether polyols and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate MDI heralded the development and use of polyurethane rigid foams as high performance insulation materials Rigid foams based on polymeric MDI PMDI offered better thermal stability and combustion characteristics than those based on TDI In 1967 urethane modified polyisocyanurate rigid foams were introduced offering even better thermal stability and flammability resistance to low density insulation products Also during the 1960s automotive interior safety components such as instrument and door panels were produced by back filling thermoplastic skins with semi rigid foam In 1969 Bayer AG exhibited an all plastic car in Dsseldorf Germany Parts of this car were manufactured using a new process called RIM Reaction Injection Molding RIM technology uses high pressure impingement of liquid components followed by the rapid flow of the reaction mixture into a mold cavity Large parts such as automotive fascia and body panels can be molded in this manner Polyurethane RIM evolved into a number of different products and processes Using diamine chain extenders and trimerization technology gave poly urethane urea poly urethane isocyanurate and polyurea RIM The addition of fillers such as milled glass mica and processed mineral fibres gave arise to RRIM reinforced RIM which provided improvements in flexural modulus stiffness and thermal stability This technology allowed production of the first plastic body automobile in the United States the Pontiac Fiero in 1983 Further improvements in flexural modulus were obtained by incorporating preplaced glass mats into the RIM mold cavity also known as SRIM or structural RIM Starting in the early 1980s water blown microcellular flexible foam was used to mold gaskets for panel and radial seal air filters in the automotive industry Since then increasing energy prices and the desire to eliminate PVC plastisol from automotive applications have greatly increased market share Costlier raw materials are offset by a significant decrease in part weight and in some cases the elimination of metal end caps and filter housings Highly filled polyurethane elastomers and more recently unfilled polyurethane foams are now used in high temperature oil filter applications Polyurethane foam including foam rubber is often made by adding small amounts of volatile materials so called blowing agents to the reaction mixture These simple volatile chemicals yield important performance characteristics primarily thermal insulation In the early 1990s because of their impact on ozone depletion the Montreal Protocol led to the greatly reduced use of many chlorine containing blowing agents such as trichlorofluoromethane CFC 11 Other haloalkanes such as the hydrochlorofluorocarbon 1 1 dichloro 1 fluoroethane HCFC 141b were used as interim replacements until their phase out under the IPPC directive on greenhouse gases in 1994 and by the Volatile Organic Compounds VOC directive of the EU in 1997 See Haloalkanes By the late 1990s the use of blowing agents such as carbon dioxide pentane 1 1 1 2 tetrafluoroethane HFC 134a and 1 1 1 3 3 pentafluoropropane HFC 245fa became more widespread in North America and the EU although chlorinated blowing agents remained in use in many developing countries Building on existing polyurethane spray coating technology and polyetheramine chemistry extensive development of two component polyurea spray elastomers took place in the 1990s Their fast reactivity and relative insensitivity to moisture make them useful coatings for large surface area projects such as secondary containment manhole and tunnel coatings and tank liners Excellent adhesion to concrete and steel is obtained with the proper primer and surface treatment During the same period new two component polyurethane and hybrid polyurethane polyurea elastomer technology was used to enter the marketplace of spray in place load bed liners This technique for coating pickup truck beds and other cargo bays creates a durable abrasion resistant composite with the metal substrate and eliminates corrosion and brittleness associated with drop in thermoplastic bed liners The potential for polyols derived from vegetable oils to replace petrochemical based polyols began garnering attention beginning around 2004 partly due to the rising costs of petrochemical feedstocks and partially due to an enhanced public desire for environmentally friendly green products One of the most vocal supporters of these polyurethanes made using natural oil polyols is the Ford Motor Company Chemistry generalized polyurethane reaction Polyurethanes are in the class of compounds called reaction polymers which include epoxies unsaturated polyesters and phenolics A urethane linkage is produced by reacting an isocyanate group N C O with a hydroxyl alcohol group OH Polyurethanes are produced by the polyaddition reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyalcohol polyol in the presence of a catalyst and other additives In this case a polyisocyanate is a molecule with two or more isocyanate functional groups R N C O n 2 and a polyol is a molecule with two or more hydroxyl functional groups R OH n 2 The reaction product is a polymer containing the urethane linkage RNHCOOR Isocyanates will react with any molecule that contains an active hydrogen Importantly isocyanates react with water to form a urea linkage and carbon dioxide gas they also react with polyetheramines to form polyureas Commercially polyurethanes are produced by reacting a liquid isocyanate with a liquid blend of polyols catalyst and other additives These two components are referred to as a polyurethane system or simply a system The isocyanate is commonly referred to in North America as the A side or just the iso The blend of polyols and other additives is commonly referred to as the B side or as the poly This mixture might also be called a resin or resin blend In Europe the meanings for A side and B side are reversed Resin blend additives may include chain extenders cross linkers surfactants flame retardants blowing agents pigments and fillers The first essential component of a polyurethane polymer is the isocyanate Molecules that contain two isocyanate groups are called diisocyanates These molecules are also referred to as monomers or monomer units since they themselves are used to produce polymeric isocyanates that contain three or more isocyanate functional groups Isocyanates can be classed as aromatic such as diphenylmethane diisocyanate MDI or toluene diisocyanate TDI or aliphatic such as hexamethylene diisocyanate HDI or isophorone diisocyanate IPDI An example of a polymeric isocyanate is polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate which is a blend of molecules with two three and four or more isocyanate groups with an average functionality of 2 7 Isocyanates can be further modified by partially reacting them with a polyol to form a prepolymer A quasi prepolymer is formed when the stoichiometric ratio of isocyanate to hydroxyl groups is greater than 2 1 A true prepolymer is formed when the stoichiometric ratio is equal to 2 1 Important characteristics of isocyanates are their molecular backbone NCO content functionality and viscosity The second essential component of a polyurethane polymer is the polyol Molecules that contain two hydroxyl groups are called diols those with three hydroxyl groups are called triols et cetera In practice polyols are distinguished from short chain or low molecular weight glycol chain extenders and cross linkers such as ethylene glycol EG 1 4 butanediol BDO diethylene glycol DEG glycerine and trimethylol propane TMP Polyols are polymers in their own right They are formed by base catalyzed addition of propylene oxide PO ethylene oxide EO onto a hydroxyl or amine containing initiator or by polyesterification of a di acid such as adipic acid with glycols such as ethylene glycol or dipropylene glycol DPG Polyols extended with PO or EO are polyether polyols Polyols formed by polyesterification are polyester polyols The choice of initiator extender and molecular weight of the polyol greatly affect its physical state and the physical properties of the polyurethane polymer Important characteristics of polyols are their molecular backbone initiator molecular weight primary hydroxyl groups functionality and viscosity PU reaction mechanism catalyzed by a tertiary amine carbon dioxide gas formed by reacting water and isocyanate The polymerization reaction is catalyzed by tertiary amines such as dimethylcyclohexylamine and organometallic compounds such as dibutyltin dilaurate or bismuth octanoate Furthermore catalysts can be chosen based on whether they favor the urethane gel reaction such as 1 4 diazabicyclo 2 2 2 octane also called DABCO or TEDA or the urea blow reaction such as bis 2 dimethylaminoethyl ether or specifically drive the isocyanate trimerization reaction such as potassium octoate One of the most desirable attributes of polyurethanes is their ability to be turned into foam Blowing agents such as water certain halocarbons such as HFC 245fa 1 1 1 3 3 pentafluoropropane and HFC 134a 1 1 1 2 tetrafluoroethane and hydrocarbons such as n pentane can be incorporated into the poly side or added as an auxiliary stream Water reacts with the isocyanate to create carbon dioxide gas which fills and expands cells created during the mixing process The reaction is a three step process A water molecule reacts with an isocyanate group to form a carbamic acid Carbamic acids are unstable and decompose forming carbon dioxide and an amine The amine reacts with more isocyanate to give a substituted urea Water has a very low molecular weight so even though the weight percent of water may be small the molar proportion of water may be high and considerable amounts of urea produced The urea is not very soluble in the reaction mixture and tends to form separate hard segment phases consisting mostly of polyurea The concentration and organization of these polyurea phases can have a significant impact on the properties of the polyurethane foam Halocarbons and hydrocarbons are chosen such that they have boiling points at or near room temperature Since the polymerization reaction is exothermic these blowing agents volatilize into a gas during the reaction process They fill and expand the cellular polymer matrix creating a foam It is important to know that the blowing gas does not create the cells of a foam Rather foam cells are a result of blowing gas diffusing into bubbles that are nucleated or stirred into the system at the time of mixing In fact high density microcellular foams can be formed without the addition of blowing agents by mechanically frothing or nucleating the polyol component prior to use Surfactants are used to modify the characteristics of the polymer during the foaming process They are used to emulsify the liquid components regulate cell size and stabilize the cell structure to prevent collapse and surface defects Rigid foam surfactants are designed to produce very fine cells and a very high closed cell content Flexible foam surfactants are designed to stabilize the reaction mass while at the same time maximizing open cell content to prevent the foam from shrinking The need for surfactant can be affected by choice of isocyanate polyol component compatibility system reactivity process conditions and equipment tooling part shape and shot weight Raw materials For the manufacture of polyurethane polymers two groups of at least bifunctional substances are needed as reactants compounds with isocyanate groups and compounds with active hydrogen atoms The physical and chemical character structure and molecular size of these compounds influence the polymerization reaction as well as ease of processing and final physical properties of the finished polyurethane In addition additive such as catalysts surfactants blowing agents cross linkers flame retardants light stabilizers and fillers are used to control and modify the reaction p

Related Polyurethane Articles

Plastic-Eating Fungus May Chow Down On World's Waste Problems
By IBTimes Staff Reporter: Subscribe to IBTimes's RSS feed An expedition to the Amazon by a group of Yale researchers has led to the discovery of a fungus that can utilize and break down polyurethane, one of the most common, and pollutant, …
Read more on International Business Times

General Plastics Signs Distributor Agreement With INDASOL
General Plastics Manufacturing Company has named Industrial Adhesive Solutions Ltd. (INDASOL), its distributor of high-density, polyurethane foam sign-making and modeling boards in the United Kingdom. Under the agreement, INDASOL will supply customers …
Read more on Seattle Post Intelligencer

YANTAI WANHUA POLYURETHANE CO., LTD. : • Wanhua-BorsodChem participates at …
UTECH Europe 2012, the truly international and largest event of the polyurethanes market will be held at the MECC in Maastricht. In 2009, UTECH attracted an audience of just under 3000 decision makers from 85 countries and an even larger and busier …
Read more on 4-traders

by savannahchik

Article by Todd Trieu

When you purchase quality contemporary office furniture you want to make certain that you are getting exactly what you need. When shopping for the perfect pieces to compliment your office you may wonder about some of the more obscure details to the furnishings. For example, though it may not be the first thing you think of, the finish used on your furniture can be just as important as the color, style and shape of the pieces you choose. After all, even the most decadent executive desk cannot stand the test of time if it is not properly protected. Here we help you to understand the difference between the two major finishes used on office furniture. It is our hope that this information will help you to make satisfying choices when looking for contemporary office furniture.

Varnish – Varnish is finish with a linseed base and a mix of solvents or thinners. It creates a hard protective surface and usually in a high gloss finish. It can be given a flatter appearance with the addition of a flattening agent. Varnish has no color and is completely transparent. Unlike paints and wood stains that have pigment, varnish will maintain the true colors of the wood it is applied to. Varnish is considered an older product and is not used as much as it once was, but it still has a place in some contemporary office furniture designs. Particularly the more classic designs and antique reproductions will call for varnish instead of the more recently developed sealers and finishes. The major drawback to varnish is the need to sand and refinish it from time to time as well as the fact that even a small chemical spill can cause major damage. Abrasion caused by alcohol or even citric acid can occur rather easily.

Polyurethane – Polyurethane with a matte to high gloss finish, is used most often in modern designs and mainstream styles of furniture. While this finish can give a plastic like appearance, if it is applied properly to well designed furniture it looks rich and clean. The high gloss finish gives a stream lined look to an executive desk or a modern sheen to a simple book shelf that could not otherwise be achieved with varnish. Besides the look of polyurethane, the finish is also very strong. It is considered the most effective finish to protect against moisture, heat, chips, and chemical abrasions.

by CORE-Materials

Article by Pearl Newman

MDI (Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) and TDI (Toluene diisocyanate) are diisocyanates that are primarily used as raw materials for polyurethanes. Polyurethanes are some of the most versatile polymers in existence today. They exist in myriad forms ranging from rigid foams to dense solid compositions and from flexible foams to elastomers. Polyurethanes are commercially available in various forms, ranging from flexible or rigid lightweight foams to tough, stiff, and strong elastomers. PU (Polyurethane) occurs in mainly two forms; PU foams and PU non foams. Rigid PU foams are used primarily as an insulation material in construction and refrigeration applications whereas Flexible PU foams are used mainly as a cushioning material in transportation, furniture, bedding, carpet underlay, and packaging. Thermosetting elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers are main types of PU elastomers, of which thermosetting hold the largest market share of around 75%.

This report estimates the market size of MDI, TDI, and polyurethanes both in terms of volumes and revenue. The market has been further segmented on the basis of applications such as rigid foams, and flexible foams, as well as by end-use industries such as construction, automotives, and electronics. This segmentation is given for major regions and key countries in those regions. Market drivers, restraints and challenges, raw material, and product price trends are discussed in detail. Market share by players for the overall market is also discussed in the report. We have also profiled leading players of this industry including Huntsman, BASF, Mitsubishi, and others.

What makes our reports unique? We provide the longest market segmentation chain in this industry. We provide 10% customization. Our customization will ensure that you necessarily get the market intelligence you are looking for and we get a loyal customer.We conduct detailed market positioning, product positioning and competitive positioning. Entry strategies, gaps and opportunities are identified for all the stakeholders. Comprehensive market analysis for the following sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Semiconductor and Electronics, Energy and Power Supplies, Food and Beverages, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Industrial Automation, and Telecom and IT. We also analyze retailers and super-retailers, technology providers, and research and development (R&D) companies.Key questions answered What are market estimates and forecasts, in terms of volumes and revenues for MDI, TDI and polyurethanes market? What and where are the opportunities? Which factors are driving market growth? Which are the key playing fields and winning-edge imperatives? What are the competitive landscapes; who are the main players in the polyurethanes market; what are their strategic directives, operational strengths? Who is doing what? What is the market demand of MDI, TDI, and polyurethanes by various applications and end-use industries? What is the market size and forecast for key countries in North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe?

Buy Now: Global MDI, TDI and Polyurethane Market

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Related Reports:China Rigid Polyurethane Foam

Polyvinyl Chloride Global Market Dynamics

Contact:Mr.Priyank7557 Rambler road,Suite727,Dallas,TX75231Tel: +1-888-989-8004 EXT 106

Some cool polyurethane images:

High Visibility Polyurethane Orange Medium Wedge Chock


Image by Diamond Rubber Products
Diamond Rubber

new desk – pre-polyurethane


Image by dmitrybarsky
As you can see, the desk is finally reaching completion! Its really a matter of getting the poly on there, attaching the electrical receptacles, disassembling it and bringing it into my room! Of course, in reality there’s way more to do than that! the preparations of my room for this beast alone could take a few days (so much old crap to relocate!)

I mix two part polyurethane plastic resin to create a fake cup of milk. The resin is EasyFlo 60 from Polytek.com – it’s extremely fast and strong.

by dennyschmickle

Article by Tehmina Mazher

The material polyurethane has been in the manufacturing industry since long time. It was only recently that manufacturers have started to make condoms with it. Polyurethane condoms are thinner, stronger, odorless and tasteless; still only few manufacturers of condoms have marketed and even developed polyurethane condoms. The elasticity of polyurethane condoms is also debatable. So generally it is recommended to use these condoms only if someone is allergic to latex.

I’m sure that reader must already know that condom is a device used for the prevention of sexually transmitted disease and as precaution against pregnancy. Condoms are made of polyurethanes, latex or some other material and are used during sexual intercourse. It is sort of a cover worn over penis. It prevents the ejaculation of sperms into vagina.

One of the easiest and safest methods of contraception is the use of condom. Though it has few side effects but it provided good protection against sexually transmitted diseases like Syphilis, HIV etc.

Polyurethane condoms like others consist of a sheath. This sheath here is made up of polyurethane. It is specifically designed to cover the penis during intercourse. The purpose is to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

These condoms are normally stronger, thinner and much less constricting compared to latex condoms. These qualities aid to increase the sensitivity during sexual foreplay. Some users of these condoms even report that they like the appearance and feel of these condoms compared to the latex condoms.

Polyurethanes condoms are better transmitters of heat. This transmission helps to increase the pleasure during sexual intercourse. Condoms made of polyurethanes are slightly expensive compared to latex condoms. But the good thing is they are effective for the prevention of sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy both at the same time.

These condoms are a best alternative for those who are latex allergic. Polyurethane condoms are available in female and male versions both.Feel free to have updated information about new inventions in the field of Polyurethanes Molding and condoms.

The author also writes articles on Visco Elastic Foam Mattress.

A few nice polyurethane images I found:

Low magnification SEM image of open cell polyurethane foam


Image by CORE-Materials
DoITPoMS, University of Cambridge

If a gas is injected into a liquid it forms a cellular foam structure. When a thermoset prepolymer of low viscosity is foamed, the polymer can drain from the cell walls (driven by surface tension) before it sets at the cell edges, leaving an open-celled foam. The cell edges have three concave sides, giving rise to the tri-cuspid cross section visible at the bottom of this image. The average co-ordination number for the nodes (where struts meet) is four, giving tetrahedral junctions.

System
Polyurethane (PU)

Composition
Not specified

Reaction

Processing

Applications
This open celled polymer foam is a compliant space-filler, used for padding and in furniture. It may also be used as a precursor in processes such as the two-stage casting of a metal foam.

Sample preparation

Technique
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Contributor
Dr J A Elliott

Organisation
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

View micrograph in DoITPoMS website

The extra polyurethane can always be a heart


Image by Nadya Peek