Call 866-783-8883
Cyber Essentials
Products » Materials » Rubber » POLYURETHANE
 

POLYURETHANE

DESCRIPTION
Polyurethane rubber is notable for its combination of hardness with elasticity, outstanding abrasion resistance and tear strength. Elastomeric urethane rubber, not to be confused with thermoplastic polyurethane, may be either ether (EU) or ester (AU) base, with the latter being the far more common of the two. It is often referred to as the "millable gum" urethane. The ester based polymer is superior in resistance to abrasion and heat, while the ether based polymer has better flexibility at low temperatures. Polyurethane is a moderately expensive material whose use is usually limited to applications that require its outstanding physical properties. Common end use applications are industrial seals, industrial rolls, O-Rings, caster wheels, gaskets, shoe soles and conveyor belts. Peroxide is the most commonly employed cure system, but sulfur curing is also possible in the extremely complex vulcanization chemistry involved in polyurethanes.
COMPOSITION
Low to medium density polyurethane diisocyanate

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES* Excellent Good Fair Poor
Abrasion resistance      
Compression Set      
Elongation      
Flame resistance      
Gas permeability      
Low temperature flexibility    
Tear resistance      
Tensile strength      

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE* Excellent Good Fair Poor
Air      
Alcohols    
Aldehydes      
Concentrated acids                 
Concentrated Bases      
Ethers      
Ketones      
LP Gas    
Mineral oil      
Oxidation      
Ozone      
Silicone Fluids      
Steam      
Sunlight      
Weather      

OPERATING TEMPERATURE
-40 to 180 °F

*Excellent, good, fair and poor are intended to serve as general guidelines only. Actual testing in the application environment is always recommended.