Today, the sectors where polyurethane is most widely used can be grouped under the following headings;
Heating and Cooling Sector
Polyurethane rigid foam is the most widely used thermal insulation material for refrigerators, freezers and cold storage. Similarly, it is used for thermal insulation in boilers and solar energy panels in the heating sector. Thanks to this feature, it reduces the energy consumed by maintaining the desired temperature.
Footwear Industry
Polyurethanes are used in the footwear industry in a wide variety of shoe models. Comfortable, lightweight and abrasion resistant polyurethanes are very suitable for shoe soles. Lightweight polyurethane soles also prolong the sweating time.
Polyurethane shoe soles provide a comfortable use thanks to its soft sole, while the perforated structure resembling a sponge in its internal structure allows the shoe to breathe, prevents odor formation and provides a healthy use.
Building/Construction and Insulation Sector
Polyurethane foams, one of the most widely used materials in the building sector, are especially preferred for insulation. They are used for filling gaps, thermal insulation, water and sound insulation. They are used as coating, protection and filling materials to meet the needs in different areas. Polyurethane-based materials are durable, long-lasting and high-performance products. They provide high thermal insulation on roofs, walls, windows and floors. They are also used as coating materials in interior and exterior spaces.
Automotive Sector
It is preferred in the automotive industry due to its durability, lightness, heat and conductivity insulation, resistance to corrosion, ease of design and production, and comfortable and safe driving characteristics. With its lightweight feature in vehicles, it is aimed to use less energy and less emission formation. It is applied in many parts such as seats, backrests, headrests, sun shades, steering wheels, instrument panels, sound insulation, gear knobs, hard bumper foams, roof coverings, armrests, air filters, etc. Since polyurethanes are very strong and light at the same time, they reduce the total weight of automobiles and thus provide fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
Furniture and Sponge Industry
Flexible polyurethane foam is used as a cushioning material for upholstered furniture. It makes furniture more durable, comfortable and keeps its shape. Elastic polyurethane foam is used in the production of upholstery foam and mattresses, viscoelastic pillows. It also creates solutions that provide decorative advantages in the furniture industry.
Polyurethane elastomers are used in a wide range of applications, particularly in engineering where durability, abrasion resistance and chemical and oil resistance properties are required. Applications include rollers and belts to transport minerals in quarrying, wheels for roller skates and hospital trolleys, rollers for printing processes and hoses, and other components in under-the-hood automotive applications. Apart from sealant applications in construction and automotive, sealants are also used in electrical and electronic equipment to prevent moisture from entering components such as connections and switchgear devices.