Benefits of Polyurethane when compared to Rubber
Benefits of Polyurethane
- Polyurethane typically lasts longer than rubber, especially in applications where it’s constantly stretched or otherwise exposed to stress
- Polyurethanes possess high tear resistance along with high tensile properties.
- Wide Range of Hardness – Polyurethane can be manufactured from 20 SHORE A to 85 SHORE D
- Wide Resiliency Range – Resilience is generally a function of hardness. For shock-absorbing elastomer applications, low rebound compounds are usually used (i.e. resilience range of 10-40%). For high frequency vibrations or where quick recovery is required, compounds in the 40-65% resilience are used. In general, toughness is enhanced by high resilience
- Flexibility – Another key benefit of Polyurethanes is it perform very well when used in high flex fatigue applications. Flexural properties can be isolated allowing for very good elongation and recovery properties.
- Abrasion & Impact Resistance – For applications where severe wear prove challenging, polyurethanes are an ideal solution even at low temperatures.
- Resistance to Water, Oil & Grease – Polyurethane’s material properties will remain stable (with minimal swelling) in water, oil and grease. Polyether compounds have the potential to last many years in subsea applications.
- Electrical Properties – Polyurethanes exhibit good electrical insulating properties.
- Mould, Mildew & Fungus Resistance – Most polyether based polyurethanes do not support fungal, mould and mildew growth and are therefore highly suitable for tropical environments