Categories: Education & Reference

THE LIMITATIONS OF POLYURETHANE FOAMS AND WITH USES

LIMITATION OF POLYURETHANE FOAMS

Polyurethane are commonly used in a wide variety of applications in modern life. Some of their applications include building insulation, furniture and beddings, footwear, automotive due to their versatile applications ease of implementation. Despite these advantages, polyurethanes also have some disadvantages.

Durability
Short life is a major disadvantage of polyurethane products. Polyurethanes have hydroscopic tendencies, i.e. water absorption characteristics. Mattresses made from polyurethane foams absorb water and gradually disintegrate and lose their quality of support. Polyurethane adhesives and sealants have the same problem. In addition, the durability of polyurethane paints is adversely affected when exposed to direct sunlight or organic solvents.

 

Odour
Polyurethanes emit odours and fumes, though they are not that highly noticeable. The petroleum-based chemicals and flame retardant fumes cause physical pains, especially in case of mattresses and paints, this becomes irritating. Prolonged exposure to this smell may make people ill. Woodworkers who use polyurethane finish also encounter overwhelming fumes.

Health Problems
Polyurethanes are widely used in many applications like building insulations, footwear and paints. Energy research shows that polyurethanes release toxic fumes that are not healthy to inhale. People who are over-exposed to polyurethane fumes experience health problems including allergic reactions, rashes, difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness and even blindness. If your eyes or skin come in contact with polyurethane foams, clean and rinse them thoroughly to avoid health problems.

Environmental Issues
Polyurethane foam emits toxic fumes if burned. Some blowing agents in polyurethanes produce greenhouse gases that have negative effects on the atmosphere. Some polyurethane foams contain non-renewable fossil fuels that adversely affects the environment. Though polyurethanes are not toxic as many other chemicals, they still harm the environment.
`

APPLICATIONS OF POLYURETHANE FOAMS

The greatest advantage offered by polyurethane foams is their versatility both in finished product properties and ease of production. By proper choice of isocyanate and polyol, products can be made with properties ranging from the downy softness of very low density foams to high strength of elastomeric bubble -free castings.

 

“Technological” approach was taken in the past in developing processing techniques, but it is also largely due to the complete nature of these materials. Many advances have occurred in the collective knowledge of how morphology develops based on formulation and this has led to a better understanding of how these various structures lead to properties. However, new application continue to develop challenging existing knowledge of structure, property relationship and demanding better explanations. This is particularly true where formulations need to be altered to meet more rigorous performance criteria.(NIS 295 1993)

 

The major uses of polyester polyurethane foams includes

–        Lagging of stem pipes as insulation

–        Manufacture of carpet backings

–        Building of cold rooms for preservation

–        Partitioning of offices and rooms

–        Uses as specialized limitation

–        Making of acoustic devices dices to its open cell structure

 




  • Ojo Joseph

    View Comments

    • This morning I was riding on a paying motorized tricycle to get me to the place where I work. Along the way, I smelled something bad. It came from a burnt rubber. I told the driver that burning anything in the open is prohibited by law. It is too dangerous to those who have an illness, difficulty in breathing, and heart problem.

      So this is it. It could be a plastic or a foam that is incinerated to be disposed. This should be monitored by the health agency of burning this kind of materials.

    Recent Posts

    Heart Attack Causes and its Solution

    What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More

    4 months ago

    Understanding the Debt Ceiling: Its Impact, Importance, and Implications

    In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More

    9 months ago

    De-Dollarization: The New World Order of Currency and Its Global Impact

    De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More

    10 months ago

    Unstoppable Bayern Munich: The Story Behind Their 11th Consecutive Bundesliga Title

    The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More

    10 months ago

    Celine Dion Cancels Concert Tour Due to Deteriorating Stiff-Person Syndrome

    The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More

    10 months ago

    Navigating the Crossroads: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the LA Lakers’ Uncertain Future

    As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More

    10 months ago