look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

Polyurethane Footwear, A Great Fit in the Garden

April showers bring May flowers, but those blooms don’t just happen by themselves. Polyurethane footwear can lend a helping hand. Spring is the time of year when green thumb enthusiasts begin to spend more out in the garden, and since spring is a time for renewal your gardening outfit should be no exception – especially when it comes to footwear. If you are considering a new pair of gardening shoes or boots, opt for a pair made from polyurethane. Here are just some of the reasons you should choose polyurethane for traipsing around in the muck:

Keeping you light on...

Read more here.

Lightweighting with PU to Increase Fuel Efficiency

You may have heard the term “lightweighting” when it comes to making vehicles that are more fuel efficient, but do you know what it means?

The term is championed by those in the automotive and aerospace industries. While at its core it refers to using lighter components in place of heavier ones in a vehicle, it can also mean using fewer components overall and making parts and components in such a way that is more fuel efficient or will reduce the industry’s carbon footprint from the production of cars and trucks.

For years, automotive manufacturers have been finding new and...

Read more here.

Polyurethane, It’s in Your Jeans

There is no denying America’s love affair with denim. If we look as far back as the 1870s, we see how this durable fabric helped grow the country, outfitting miners and cowboys alike.

Denim has become a staple of many American wardrobes. Designers and manufacturers are continually pushing the envelope, looking for new ways to make this fashion favorite more appealing by adding to its style and comfort.

One way they are achieving this is through the introduction of polyurethane into denim fabric. Polyurethane blends in denim can run anywhere from 2 to 10 percent. PU helps give jeans more...

Read more here.

Polyurethane Holds & the Future of Climbing

The sport of rock climbing has grown in popularity in recent years, and it is easy to see why. It can provide a great way to get into shape, and thanks to rise of indoor climbing facilities, climbers are no longer at the mercy of the elements to get in a climbing session.

Plus, the sport is highly customizable thanks to highly individualized polyurethane climbing holds. All skill levels – from weekend warriors to lifelong professional climbers – can be accommodated. 

Polyurethane Takes Hold

Polyurethane is the essential ingredient in the creation of these holds, which often are the oddly-shaped,...

Read more here.

Chocolate Bunny Test Proves Benefit of Polyurethane Insulation

As the weather turns warmer and the days grow longer, it is increasingly important to make certain that one’s home is properly insulated. Lack of insulation wastes resources.

Polyurethane Foam Insulates the Home

For many, the answer to a properly insulated home lies in the installation of spray polyurethane foam –both low and medium density are used in this process. The application of SPF is very unique. SPF is applied as a liquid that quickly reacts to form a rigid polyurethane foam. The liquid is applied directly to the studs and sheathing. As the polyurethane foam forms it expands to...

Read more here.

3D-Printed Polyurethane Homes Are Here

For those that dream of home ownership, 3D printing and polyurethane may be bringing that opportunity closer than most people think. A group of researchers at the French University of Nantes have dialed in on a particular method of 3D printing that uses rigid polyurethane. As proof positive of their concept, the group constructed a house in Nantes itself.

Printing of the four-bedroom 1000 square foot home happened in just 54 hours. It then took an additional four months for carpenters and workmen to install plumbing and wiring and put on finishing touches – like the doors, windows and roof.

Read more here.

Researchers Create New Algae-Based Polyurethane Production Method

Whether finding ways to extend the life of polyurethane materials or even make the manufacturing process more efficient, scientists and researchers are continually looking for new ways to make polyurethane more sustainable.

One group of researchers at University of California San Diego may have found a way. The team has created renewable polymers that use algae – a plant-like organism that makes food from sunlight via photosynthesis – as their basis.

If successful, the algae-based polymers will be used to create polyurethane found in a number of everyday household items, like couch cushions, office chairs and more.

The Department of...

Read more here.

The Lasting Legacy of Morgan Evans, Rhino Linings International founder

2019 marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Morgan Evans, Rhino Linings International founder. As a South African inventor and entrepreneur, Evans was responsible for creating a polyurethane application that grew into a global sensation.

Unlike many entrepreneurial stories that end with a bump in the road, Evans’ tale actually began with one – quite literally.

Polyurethane and the Car Industry

Polyurethanes (PU) can play many roles in improving vehicles. Polyurethane foam can be used to make seats more comfortable, to dampen noise, and to make cars more lightweight, increasing fuel economy. PU coatings can also serve as a...

Read more here.

Polyurethane Skinsuits Help British Skeleton Athletes To Victory

In the world of elite women’s skeleton racing, the difference between staking a place on the podium or not, can come down to a matter of milliseconds. In a sport where fractions of time can make a huge difference, it is no wonder that athletes, trainers and coaches are constantly scouting for new ways to shave a few precious moments off run times.

Whether it is making uniforms sleeker or sleds more aerodynamic, today, there is a whole industry dedicated to the science of helping racers go faster. However, even with every team jockeying for a clear advantage, definitive improvements...

Read more here.