Sealants, Insulation Coatings,
Elastomers, Flexible Foams,
Surfactants, Rigid Foams, Adhesives
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Rigid Foams
Rigid polyurethane foams are characterised by their outstanding
insulation properties that can be utilised in many different ways. Systems
may be poured, injected or sprayed according to the application requirements.
The construction of modern domestic refrigerators and freezers would not
be possible without the use of polyurethane foam. While its high insulation
efficiency ensures minimal wall thickness, the polyurethane also acts as
the structural adhesive to bond the inner and outer skins of the refrigerator
during the foaming process. In the construction industry, similar technology
is used to produce laminated rigid foam panels for the manufacture of industrial
roofs and walls that, through their excellent insualtion properties, help
to maintain a constant and comfortable working environment whatever the
season.
Integral skin mouldings are also produced from rigid foams for structural
and decorative purposes in the furniture industry. The excellent definition
properties of the foams allow high quality simulated wood articles to be
easily and cost-effectively fabricated.
Flexible Foams
Flexible polyurethane foams may be formulated across a broad range of hardnesses
and densities to accommodate a multitude of end applications. They can be
produced in a variety of shapes by either cutting from slabstock or by moulding,
with their main uses being in upholstered furniture, mattresses and automotive
seating.
The versatility of polyurethanes is demonstrated most comprehensivly in
the automotive industry, where the special properties of the foams can be
tailored in the development phase to meet the needs of very specific and
often extremely demanding applications. Industrial Urethanes works in close
partnership with its own customers and the major motor vehicle manufacturers
in order to develop new materials for applications such as acoustic attenuation,
door panels, steering wheels and dashboards.
We have successfully converted our customers away from ozone depleting chemicals,
known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have been widely used for many
years as blowing agents in both rigid and flexible grades. Today, more environmentally
acceptable blowing agents are widely used. In this endeavour, Industrial
Urethanes and its technology partner, Huntsman Polyurethanes, remain at
the forefront of international technology.
Solid Elastomers
In addition to the foamed polyurethanes, many types of solid elastomers
are available, including thermoplastics for use on conventional thermoplastic
processing equipment, soluble grades for textile coatings and adhesives,
castable systems for hand and machine dispensing, solvent-free sprayable
systems for high build coatings and elastomeric fibres for stretch garment
manufacture.
The major applications are based upon the outstanding abrasion resistance
of polyurethane elastomers, as well as their resistance to solvents and
chemicals. Other properties such as low temperature flexibility or resistance
to microbiological attack can also be designed into the polymer if required.
In South Africa, the mining industry is a major market for solid elastomers
and Industrial Urethanes has developed specific materials for applications
such as separating screens, pipe linings, conveyor scrapers, idler rollers
and a variety of flotation process components.
The excellent adhesion characteristics of polyurethanes are used in many
applications that require requiring the binding of a diversity of materials.
These include foundry sand for the metal casting industry, timber particles
and other by-products for wood composite panels, rubber crumb for sports
and safety flooring and flexible foam chips for low-cost cushioning. In
addition to the foamed polyurethanes, many types of solid elastomers are
available, including thermoplastics for use on conventional thermoplastic
processing equipment, soluble grades for textile coatings and adhesives,
castable systems for hand and machine dispensing, solvent-free sprayable
systems for high build coatings and elastomeric fibres for stretch garment
manufacture.
The major applications are based upon the outstanding abrasion resistance
of polyurethane elastomers, as well as their resistance to solvents and
chemicals. Other properties such as low temperature flexibility or resistance
to microbiological attack can also be designed into the polymer if required.
In South Africa, the mining industry is a major market for solid elastomers
and Industrial Urethanes has developed specific materials for applications
such as separating screens, pipe linings, conveyor scrapers, idler rollers
and a variety of flotation process components.
The excellent adhesion characteristics of polyurethanes are used in many
applications requiring the binding of a diversity of materials. Foundry
sand for the metal casting industry, timber particles and other by-products
for wood composite panels, rubber crumb for sports and safety flooring and
flexible foam chips for low-cost cushioning.