look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

Polyurethane Helps the Show Go on for a Historic Theater Space

Around the country, former theater spaces have often struggled to succeed after decades of neglect and competition from other forms of entertainment. But as interest in revitalizing these monuments to a bygone era has increased, many have found new life as cinemas, arts centers and even restaurants. Such was the case with the 14^th Street Theater in Cleveland’s historic theater district.

Back in the 1980s, when then-owners PlayhouseSquare were looking to renovate the aging building, they realized additional waterproofing and building insulation was necessary. They were interested in energy saving options, but also wanted to keep costs affordable. Enter spray...

Read more here.

Polyurethane’s Valentine’s Day Gift List

If you’re still looking for a present for that special someone, allow polyurethane to provide a few options.

Electronics — Give your Valentine a gift that keeps him or her connected. From the latest smartphone or watch to personal fitness trackers, polyurethane compounds help protect high-tech devices from moisture, thermal shock and vibrations.

Active Wear — If your Valentine is the sporty type, go for a new long-sleeved top, hoodie or jacket made from polyurethane fibers. You’ll keep your honey warm and comfortable on cold workout days.

Pillows — What’s better than the gift of a good night’s sleep? Memory...

Read more here.

How Polyurethane Transformed Winter Sports

Elite athletes from around the world have dreams of out-performing the competition and achieving lasting glory. But today’s super-human feats of speed, grace and skill owe a debt to the advances in chemistry that have transformed winter sporting equipment.

For example, early waterproof fabrics were made of cumbersome, heavy rubber. Now, athletes enjoy lightweight nylon and polyurethane fibers that repel snow and sleet while still allowing moisture to evaporate.

Skis once made of wood, metal and leather are now made with a polyurethane core and synthetic fiber coatings that increase strength, minimize weight and reduce vibrations for a smoother ride.

Read more here.

Polyurethane is Our Choice for MVP

It won’t get to hoist a trophy or enjoy a ticker-tape parade, but polyurethane will still play a vital role in the big game this Sunday. 

On the field, polyurethane’s impact starts with the most important piece of equipment — the ball. Inside most footballs is an inflatable, three-ply polyurethane bladder, which gives it both durability and a consistent feel. On the players themselves, stretchy, sweat-wicking polyurethane in the uniforms will help keep them comfortable as the game goes on, while polyurethane will feature in their cleats as both a cushioning foam and an adhesive. Polyurethane even features in some...

Read more here.

Re-energize Your Resolve with Polyurethane

If you’re like many people, you want to try to be healthier and work out more. Whether your goal is part of a recent resolution or an ongoing lifestyle choice, the winter months can challenge even the most devoted of exercisers. Mixing up your routine can help keep you motivated and provide new health benefits as you exercise different muscle groups. Polyurethane can help!

Floor and yoga mats, commonly made from polyurethane, can help to make hard surfaces comfortable and less slippery. Stair and rowing machines, as well as stationary bicycles and weight benches also tend to rely on polyurethane...

Read more here.

Polyurethane Helps Bring Resiliency Home

As extreme weather becomes more common and seismic events continue to threaten many areas of the globe, resiliency has become a watchword for those in the building and construction industries.  Resilient design and construction can help structures withstand or minimize the effects of hurricane-force winds, heavy flooding, and even earthquakes.

As the International Builders Show opens today in Orlando, FL, resiliency will be on the minds of many attendees. From better roofing materials to stronger bonds for structural components, polyurethane has an important role to play in making homes and other structures not only more energy-efficient, but also better...

Read more here.

Get Ready to See Polyurethane in Action at CES

It’s that time of year again! The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will open next Tuesday in Las Vegas and the world will be amazed at the latest, must-have gadgets and technology. And many of those innovations depend on polyurethane.

For many electronic devices — such as gaming consoles, fitness tracking devices and virtual reality headsets — polyurethane provides protection for sensitive electronic components. Meanwhile, in 3-D printers, polyurethane can be the raw material for creating prototypes, components and more.

Over at the vehicle technology venue, polyurethane will be helping make self-driving and traditional vehicle bodies lighter so that they can...

Read more here.

Happy Sustainable New Year!

If your New Year’s resolutions include reducing your carbon footprint, polyurethane can help.

Waste Less Food

At the store, polyurethane packaging keeps food fresher, longer. At home, your polyurethane-lined refrigerator extends food life even more. Buying an energy-efficient refrigerator helps you reduce your impact on the environment even more.

Use Less Energy

From lighter-weight vehicles that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to the insulation in your walls that can help cut heating and cooling needs, polyurethane can help you save energy.

Conserve Natural Resources

Using composite materials can contribute to energy efficiency and help conserve timber, stone, and...

Read more here.

Steel Gas Waste Gets a New Life as Polyurethane

A European consortium is exploring how flue gas from the steel industry can be used to create plastics in a more efficient and sustainable way. This new use for what has heretofore been a waste product of steel manufacturing will also reduce the need for crude oil in the plastics production process. The final polyurethane material can be used to make insulation and coatings.

Using a mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide released during the steel production process, polyols that will later be used in the production of polyurethane materials can be created. Scientists have estimated that this will...

Read more here.