Polyurethane
Also known as: PU, PUR, TPU (thermoplastic)
Versatile polymer group used for coatings, membranes, foams and elastane fibres.
Description
Polyurethane is a family of polymers formed by reacting isocyanates with alcohols. Depending on formulation you obtain hard or soft, foamed, elastic, film-forming or fibrous materials. In the textile and apparel industry PU is ubiquitous — as coating, membrane, foam, artificial leather and in the form of the elastane fibre Lycra®.
PU coatings serve as a waterproof, breathable barrier for rain jackets and tents. PU membranes (e.g. Sympatex®, Dermizax®) compete with polytetrafluoroethylene systems (Gore-Tex®). PU foams pad ski and motorcycle wear; TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is used in seam tapes and protective inserts.
- Polymer family with very broad applicability
- Waterproof, elastic and heat sealable
- Basis for elastane fibres (Lycra®, elastane)
- Alternative to PVC without plasticisers
Ecologically, isocyanate feedstocks are critical, but water-based PU systems, bio-based polyols and PU recycling are advancing rapidly.
Properties
| Material type | Polymer family |
|---|---|
| Forms of use | Coating, membrane, foam, fibre |
| Waterproofness | very high |
| Typical use | Rain jackets, membranes, artificial leather |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Polyurethan Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane
- Sympatex Membrane sympatex.com https://www.sympatex.com/
- OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/
