Polyurea – Overview
Polyurea is an interesting type of synthetic foam that is derived by the process of step-growth polymerization and an isocyanic acid component through ionic cross-flow. The polyurea can either be polar or non-polar in nature. It also has a high degree of flexibility, durability, and impact resistance.
Polyureas are mostly used for pressure vessels and thermal insulation. They are also used for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as well as in the aerospace industry. Polyureas are available in two forms, liquid and solid. Most of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic products are made of aliphatic polyureas. In the recent past, some research studies have also revealed the physical properties of aromatic diisocyanates in polyureas, which are believed to be responsible for its physiological and mechanical properties.
A major advantage of polyurethane foam is that it is flexible and stretchable, and it has excellent physical properties, including stiffness and impact resistance. It exhibits both high solubility and high oil density, and it does not respond to heat. In addition, it exhibits thermo-physical effects at low temperatures, which make it suitable for applications in space. However, when polyurethane foam is exposed to heat, it develops into a solid, so it should be treated with care and only exposed to temperatures that are below its melting point.
It has been found that polyurea coatings have a number of useful applications in varied industries, including packaging, biomedical, food product manufacturing, cleaning, and heating. As polyurea coatings are flexible and heat resistant, they provide high protection against abrasion, scratching, and wear and tear. The protective coating is also capable of withstanding pressures up to 500 times its own weight. In addition, it can withstand extreme temperatures, including those experienced during the manufacture of polyurea products.
Polyurea coatings are also used in the automotive industry, particularly on bumpers and other accessories. This material is also widely applied in the domestic market to protect household appliances and personal property. Polyurea‘s low level of moisture absorption makes it a good material to use for the protection of water pipes, showers, and baseboards. This material does not stain easily, especially if it is preserved with the proper moisture-resistant finish. For this reason, it can be used to protect appliances, furniture, and wood products.
Before applying polyurea, it must undergo physical properties testing and chemical treatment. During the physical properties testing process, fine particles of dry polyurethane are applied to a particular model surface. Based on the specific model’s intended application, an abrasion pressure is applied. This pressure is usually controlled by means of a hydraulic or mechanical actuator. To achieve its physical properties, the coating is exposed to the abrasion pressures. Once the physical properties are achieved, the coating system is cured in a heat-tunnel process to lock the moisture into the materials.
