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Dalucon continuously strives to acquire machinery that is up to date with technology. Dalucon is in the process of acquiring an overseas polyurethane injecting machine, and by the end of 2008 we aim to incorporate that machine into our production line.
Polyurethane Data
Polyurethanes are formed when two chemicals - a diisocyanate such as 'MDI' and a blended polyol - are mixed together in the presence of suitable catalysts and activators. The secret of "tailormade" polyurethanes to best suit specific end uses lies in the blending and subtle variations of base chemicals, catalysts and activators.
Versatility
Polyurethanes are frequently encountered in the course of our daily lives. They are used in a multitude of diverse applications from refrigerator insulation and motorcar steering wheels to the soles of shoes, and may be formulated as rigid foams, flexible foams or solid elastomers.
Polyurethane: The Material
How Polyurethane Is Made...
Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives.
Because a variety of diisocyanates and a wide range of polyols can be used to produce polyurethane, a broad spectrum of materials can be produced to meet the needs of specific applications.
Most polyurethanes are thermoset materials; they cannot be melted and reshaped as thermoplastic materials can be.
Polyurethanes for versatility
Polyurethanes have revolutionised the quality of life in the 20th Century, providing energy savings, safety, lightness, comfort and durability. Combining the skills of the designer, chemist and engineer, their unique properties can be adjusted to create valuable products varying in structure from soft furniture foam to tough car bumpers, each tailor-made for a specific purpose.
Polyurethanes are durable products, offering many years of service. Lifetimes can vary between 3 and more than 50 years, depending on the end use. An average lifetime of 15 years for refrigerators (insulated with polyurethane foam) is just one example.
Usually used in combination with materials such as textiles, metals, wood and other polymers, polyurethanes are not always visible in the end-product. Polyurethanes are frequently encountered in the course of our daily lives and, because of their versatility, are materials of choice which can satisfy multi-purpose design objectives. They are used in a multitude of diverse applications from refrigerator insulation and motorcar steering wheels to the soles of shoes, and may be formulated as rigid foams, flexible foams or solid elastomers.
Polyurethane: The Material
Where Polyurethane Is Used ...
Polyurethanes exist in a variety of forms including flexible foams, rigid foams, chemical-resistant coatings, specialty adhesives and sealants, and elastomers.
Rigid polyurethane foams are used as insulation for buildings, water heaters, refrigerated transport, and commercial and residential refrigeration. These foams are also used for flotation and for energy management.
Flexible polyurethane foams are used as cushioning for carpet and in upholstered furniture, mattresses, and automobiles. They are also used for packaging.
Polyurethane adhesives and sealants are used in construction, transportation, marine, and other applications where their high strength, moisture resistance and durability are required.
The term "polyurethane elastomers" includes such diverse products as thermoplastic polyurethane, cast elastomers and Reaction Injection Molded (RIM) products. These materials go into a wide variety of applications from footwear and skate wheels to machinery housings, to athletic tracks to electronic media. |