Fields of application for polyurethane and polyurea
Versatile materials to waterproof surfaces, create sculptures, and decorate
Polyurethane and polyurea are materials applicable on most surfaces, which guarantee waterproofing for a very long period of time. Thanks to their exceptional characteristics, they are useful in different sectors, offering solutions ranging from thermal & acoustic insulation to the creation of sculptures, decorations, and interior design.
Thermal and Acoustic Insulation
Expanded polyurethane and polyurea are versatile and widely used materials for thermal and acoustic insulation. These materials are known for their excellent insulating properties due to their closed-cell structure that traps air and prevents heat conduction. These properties make them ideal for applications such as the insulation of walls, roofs, and floors in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Expanded polyurethane and polyurea (including cold-applied polyurea) can significantly reduce the energy costs associated with heating and cooling buildings, thereby improving the thermal comfort of occupants.
Moreover, expanded polyurethane and polyurea are highly effective as acoustic insulators. Their sound absorption properties and ability to reduce noise transmission make them a popular choice for soundproofing in buildings, recording studios, cinemas, and any environment where noise reduction is important.
Protective Coatings
Protective coatings are a crucial component in many industries, as they help preserve and extend the lifespan of structures, equipment, and surfaces exposed to adverse environmental conditions. In this context, both expanded polyurethane and polyurea play a fundamental role.
Expanded polyurethane is known for its excellent chemical resistance and durability, which make it an ideal material for protective coatings. This material can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including metal structures, concrete, wood, and more. When properly applied, expanded polyurethane and polyurea create a waterproof layer that effectively protects against corrosion, wear, and damage caused by environmental elements such as moisture and UV rays. This makes expanded polyurethane and polyurea a highly valued choice for protecting bridges, storage tanks, pipes, ships, and industrial equipment exposed to extreme environmental conditions. Additionally, its flexibility allows it to adhere uniformly to complex surfaces, ensuring complete and long-lasting protection.
Industry and Shipbuilding
In the industrial sector, both expanded polyurethane and polyurea play a significant role in the production of specialized equipment and components. The versatility of these materials makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, helping to improve the efficiency and durability of industrial equipment.
Polyurethane and polyurea are often used to create wear-resistant machinery parts, seals, and shock absorbers. Their ability to withstand mechanical stresses, combined with their lightweight nature, makes them ideal materials for reducing the weight of components without compromising their strength.
In shipbuilding, both expanded polyurethane and polyurea are equally important and widely used in the construction and maintenance of vessels. Expanded polyurethane is appreciated for its resistance to seawater, lightness, and ability to provide effective thermal and acoustic insulation. Meanwhile, polyurea is used to protect the external surfaces of ships from corrosion caused by seawater and weather elements, helping to maintain the structural integrity of vessels over time.
Waterproofing
Expanded polyurethane and polyurea are exceptional materials for waterproofing due to their ability to form a continuous and water-resistant barrier. This makes them suitable for a wide range of waterproofing applications.
In the construction and building sectors, as well as in shipbuilding, expanded polyurethane is used to create waterproofing systems on roofs, foundations, pools, terraces, boats, industrial structures, and underground parking garages. Its moisture resistance and durability provide long-term protection against water infiltration, humidity, and water damage.
In the transport industry, expanded polyurethane is mainly used for waterproofing commercial vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, to protect them from moisture and corrosion.