Today polyurethane successfully replaces various types of rubber, plastic and metals. It possesses unique properties — elasticity, strength and high wear resistance. The wear resistance of polyurethane is 3 times greater than that of ordinary rubber. It surpasses rubber in tensile strength by 2,5 times (35 МПа — for polyurethane and 12,7 МПа — for rubber).
Polyurethane endures compressive pressure of 105 МПа and can be used in a temperature range from 50 degrees below zero to 140 degrees above zero.
The production of polyurethane compounds is a complex and energy-intensive technological process: two components, polyol and isocyanate, are mixed and heated, and polyetheramines are added to them. This process requires the use of costly equipment.
The technology for producing the raw materials for polyurethane is available in Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Australia and the USA.