Polyurethane

Definition

Polyurethane is a versatile type of polymer formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol containing multiple hydroxyl groups) with a diisocyanate, in the presence of a catalyst and other additives. It can be tailored to be either flexible or rigid, making it widely used in various applications such as foams, elastomers, and coatings.

Related terms

Step: Growth Polymerization - A type of polymerization where bi-functional or multi-functional monomers react to form first dimers, then trimers, longer oligomers, and eventually long-chain polymers.

Diisocyanate: A chemical compound with two isocyanate groups (-N=C=O) used in the production of polyurethanes; reacts with polyols in the polymerization process.

Polyol: A type of alcohol containing multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups used as one of the primary reactants in the formation of polyurethanes