Polyurethane

Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane)
links. While most polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers that do not melt when heated,
thermoplastic polyurethanes are also available.

Polyurethane polymers are traditionally and most commonly formed by reacting a di- or triisocyanate
with a polyol. Since polyurethanes contain two types of monomers, which polymerise one after the
other, they are classed as alternating copolymers. Both the isocyanates and polyols used to make
polyurethanes contain, on average, two or more functional groups per molecule.

Polyurethanes are used in the manufacture of high-resilience foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels,
microcellular foam seals and gaskets, spray foam, durable elastomeric wheels and tires (such as roller
coaster, escalator, shopping cart, elevator, and skateboard wheels), automotive suspension bushings,
electrical potting compounds, high-performance adhesives, surface coatings and sealants, synthetic
fibers (e.g., Spandex), carpet underlay, hard-plastic parts (e.g., for electronic instruments), condoms,and
hoses.

Polyurethanes are produced by mixing two or more liquid streams. The polyol stream contains catalysts,
surfactants, blowing agents and so on. The two components are referred to as a polyurethane system,
or simply a system. The isocyanate is commonly referred to in North America as the 'A-side' or just the
'iso'. The blend of polyols and other additives is commonly referred to as the 'B-side' or as the 'poly'.
[citation needed] This mixture might also be called a 'resin' or 'resin blend'. In Europe the meanings for
'A-side' and 'B-side' are reversed.[citation needed] Resin blend additives may include chain extenders,
cross linkers, surfactants, flame retardants, blowing agents, pigments, and fillers. Polyurethane can be
made in a variety of densities and hardnesses by varying the isocyanate, polyol or additives.

Source: Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane)