Last Updated on October 15, 2020 by Admin
The overall market demand for polyurethane products is on the rise.
The global polyurethane market was valued at $55,20 million in 2018, according to the new Fortune Business Insights report, and is expected to hit $87,635 million by 2026.
North America is the leading consumer of polyurethane due to its booming construction and automotive industries. As the demand for polyurethane products increases and the leaders in these industries become more aware of its benefits, you’ll be seeing more of it on the market.
Stated by a polyurethane manufacturer, In the construction world, polyurethane (also known as PU) is most commonly used as a sealant, adhesive, insulation, coatings, and as parts on machinery and is improving the way that this industry functions.
Benefits of Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a type of polymer formed from the reaction between polyols and isocyanate. This reaction gives polyurethane the ability to be very versatile, both in functionality and physical form.
The benefits of polyurethane are pretty endless but when working with a manufacturer, you can play with these different elements in the process to make any polyurethane product match your specifications because it can be:
- Abrasion-resistant
- Have high tear strength
- Durable
- Not phased by severe temperatures
- Water-resistant
- Resistant to electricity and chemical
- Customized for color
These aren’t the whole list of customization options but all of these features make polyurethane the number one choice for the construction industry.
How Polyurethane is Changing the Construction Industry
Sealants, Adhesives, and Coatings
In its liquid form, polyurethane acts as a heavy-duty glue. It can be used to seal in windows during the building process on construction projects or as a sealant on wood to keep it protected and you will probably see it stored in a caulking tube. Polyurethane sealants are also water-resistant, have a high strength tolerance, and do not deteriorate against UV light so they help the building stay sturdy against wind, rain, and natural elements.
Tools and Machinery Parts
Polyurethane is one of the more durable materials used on construction sites. In a solid form, polyurethane takes on the consistency of rubber but is stronger and causes the least amount of damage against other materials.
This makes it a great asset in the construction industry for machineries like conveyor belts or wheels that are constantly rotating and getting rubbed against steel, rocks, or other rough materials. Polyurethane is highly durable, abrasion-resistant, and able to take on high temperatures without using its composure.
Insulation
As a foam form, polyurethane is heavily used as an insulating option. When used as thermal insulation in buildings, it will reduce the energy bills because it effectively keeps out hot air and temperatures during the summer and vice versa in the winter. It also lasts a long time, which can be upwards of 30 years and even the whole lifespan of the building.
Before the use of polyurethane in the construction industry, machines required more replacements, other insulation options weren’t as effective, and projects would have to get re-done. Thanks to polyurethane and it’s versatility, it is saving the construction industry time, money and headaches.
