Polyurethane, often abbreviated as PUR, is a type of plastic known for its great versatility and ability to take on many different shapes and consistencies. This versatility is mainly due to the urethane bonds found in the chemical structure of polyurethane.
PUR is produced through a chemical reaction between isocyanates (typically MDI or TDI) and polyols. This process can be adjusted to create polyurethane materials with a wide range of physical properties, from soft, flexible foams to hard and rigid plastic materials. This makes polyurethane suitable for use in a wide variety of applications.
At Carmo, PUR plays a specific role: components moulded in Carmo’s own PVC/PUR blend bond directly onto PUR-based films through HF welding, the combination behind many of our medical and technical components.
Polyurethane is found in many everyday products. For example, it is used in foams for furniture and mattresses, in the automotive industry for seats and interiors, in the construction industry for insulation and soundproofing, and in many sports goods. It is also popular in the manufacturing of shoes, where it can be used for both soles and other parts of the shoe.
Flexible or Rigid Polyurethane
When it comes to the use of polyurethane, there are two main categories:
- Rigid Polyurethane
- Flexible Polyurethane
Rigid polyurethane, which makes up around 30% of the industry’s total production, is a material highly valued for its insulation properties. It is one of the most efficient insulation materials on the market. In the district heating sector, rigid polyurethane foam is used to insulate district heating pipes, helping to reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of heating supply. In the construction sector, it is used in the form of sandwich panels and for the insulation of hot water tanks, contributing to energy efficiency and heat retention.
Flexible foam, which accounts for around 70% of the industry’s production, is primarily used in the production of comfort products such as mattresses, pillows, seats, and cushions for the furniture sector. This material is known for its ability to provide good support and comfort, making it a popular choice for products focused on user comfort. In addition to these applications, a wide range of technical articles are also made from flexible foam, where the material’s properties like flexibility, shock absorption, and durability are key factors. Carmo’s use of flexible PUR lies outside the furniture sector: as the film substrate our weldable components are designed to fuse with.
How Does Carmo Use PUR?
Carmo primarily uses PUR in Carmo’s unique PVC/PUR blend. By using this blend of PUR and PVC, an unparalleled bond is achieved through HF welding and assembly onto PUR-based films.
