Polyurethanes

Polyurethane elastomers are extremely versatile materials that can be manufactured to suit individual needs to meet a range of demanding applications.

There a many different types of Polyurethanes however, the four basic types are as follows, each having its own performance advantage:

1. Polyether / TDI
2. Polyester / TDI
3. Polyether / MDI
4. Polyester / MDI

Polyethers are recommended for parts subject to dynamic stress as they have low heat build-up are resilient and have good low temperature capabilities and resistance to hydrolysis.

Polyesters have better abrasion and tear resistance combined with oil solvent resistance.

MDI or (Diphenyl) Methane Diisocyanate based materials have better resistance to hydrolysis and are more resilient.

TDI or Tolylene Diisocyanate based materials are not as resistant to hydrolysis but are quicker to produce and have a lower cure temperature.

Polyurethane elastomers can be characterised by the following properties:

Hardness range of 20 shore A (gum eraser) to 80 shore D (golf ball)
Excellent compression properties
Good mechanical properties
High elongation
High tensile strength
Excellent tear strength
Exceptional resilience even in hardness grades
Excellent flex properties
Very good low temperature capabilities
80º C continuous working temperature
Good chemical resistance except strong acids and alkalis
Highly resistant to degrading from oxygen and ozone
Excellent sound attenuation properties
High coefficient of friction or grip properties

Fields of application: bushes, rollers, wheels, chute liners, conveyor rollers, oil seals, pump impellors, anti vibrations pads, timber handling components and flexible couplings.

E-Plas polyurethanes are available as stock shapes in rod, sheets and tubes or specialty castings to customer requirements. E-Plas Polyurethanes are manufactured at our Adelaide Branch.

For further information please contact your nearest E-Plas sales office or our Adelaide branch direct.