Tough Solutions for a Demanding World
Outstanding Physical Properties
Polyurethane bridges the gap between rubber and plastic on the hardness scale. It can be produced in hardness ranging from 20
Shore A to 85 Shore D allowing it to be utilized for many different applications.
Polyurethane has excellent abrasion resistance and has out performed ordinary rubber and plastic sometimes by a factor of as
much as 8 to 1. For applications in which wear is a problem, substituting existing parts with one made out of polyurethane
can reduce the frequency of replacement. This in turn means less down time and greater productivity.
Polyurethane has significantly better impact resistance than structural plastics. It has load-bearing capacity for
compression comparable to cast steel which is greater than natural rubber. Polyurethane also has high tensile
strength.
The customization of these physical properties can produce a product that is optimally suited to many different
applications.
Excellent Environmental Properties
The physical properties of polyurethane are very resistant to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and aging. Studies
have shown that, upon weathering at ambient conditions for 12-15 years, the tensile strength, elongation and hardness of
polyurethane changed less than 10%.
Polyurethane has excellent long term stability in water and is resistant to swelling and deterioration in temperatures as high
as 80ºC. It is also very resistant to mold, mildew and fungus growth, which make is it an excellent choice for
applications in which there is exposure to a moist environment.
Polyurethane is resistant to oil and solvents and outperforms metal in chemical resistance. It is also resistant to radiation
and is stable under high vacuum conditions.
These properties allow polyurethane to be used in some of the harshest of environments with minimal deterioration.
Other Features and Benefits
Polyurethane can be bonded to metal, wood or fabric giving these materials a protective layer and therefore extending the life
of the substrate.
Polyurethane can be used to reduce noise levels in manufacturing facilities. By having machinery such as ductwork and feed
chutes lined with polyurethane, clatter and banging will be reduced.
Polyurethane coatings and parts can be manufactured in a number of different colours. Colour can improve the esthetics of
structures or equipment.
Elastochem Specialty Chemicals Inc.
37 Easton Road, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. N3P 1J4
Phone: 519.754.1678 Fax: 519.754.4487 Canada & USA: 1-877.PUR.CHEM