look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

Dressing Up Polyurethane In Sustainability

Bayer MaterialScience has brought a new array of waterborne, bio-based polyurethane dispersions to apparel and footwear lines under the IMPRANIL® eco name. Thanks to the production of this technology by Bayer, it is now possible for manufactures to produce sustainable, coated apparel such as synthetic leather, with minimal fossil-based raw materials.  Ultimately, Bayer notes that these bio-based polyurethane dispersions will contain up to 65 percent of renewable elements contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

IMPRANIL® eco has given synthetic materials a face lift, attracting more consumers to the brands that have adopted a more sustainable material. ...

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Innovator David Sweet leaves behind Surfboard Legacy

Polyurethane surfboard innovator Dave Sweet passed away in May in Los Angeles, California at the age of 86.  Sweet is recognized and remembered in the surfing community for his development and production of surfboards with a polyurethane foam core.

According to Surfer Magazine, after coming in contact with polyurethane foam in 1952, Sweet began the development process of a surfboard with a foam core.  After many trials he successfully achieved his goal. Sweet crafted a surfboard with a polyurethane foam core weighing in at approximately 25 pounds, remarkably lighter than the wooden surfboards he grew up riding. Surfboards...

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Polyurethane is sporting a new summer beach body

Summer is rolling through and getting into shape is back in full force.  But have no fear, polyurethane is here to help you run the extra mile! 

Not only is polyurethane found in exercise apparel and footwear but it’s found in different exercise equipment – equipment that can help get your body ready for summer vacation.  For example, exercise mats made with a thin layer of polyurethane foam are great for protecting your knees and back when doing floor exercises. 

Exercising is always better when you have a partner to work out with.  Tossing medicine balls to a partner...

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Video Game Day

To all the gamers out there, behold:  a fully functioning Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) coffee table controller. Like other coffee tables, it is coated with a polyurethane anti-scratch coating, which makes the table not only incredible, but durable as well!

Polyurethane may not be able to help you beat level 10; however, it can help you be more comfortable while doing it. Like many various pieces of furniture, polyurethane foam can be found in different video game chairs providing you much cushion and comfort that should last for years. So whether you’re throwing bananas at your opponents or...

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Polyurethane is swimming with the Sharks

Starting July 5^th, you might see sharks on your television screen! Often, dive teams and film crews rely on the many talents of polyurethane to help them stay safe.  Polyurethane coatings and sealants are water-resistant and used to protect the exterior of diving equipment.  Spandex fibers in wet suits are lightweight and water-friendly providing divers a pleasant underwater experience as they film their shark friends. 

On the ocean surface, polyurethane foam used in boat insulation protects crew members from the salty sea air.  Likewise, flexible polyurethane foam used in seat cushions, allows these shark seekers to rest comfortably...

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Polyurethane is kicking off Independence Day with a boom!

This Fourth of July marks the 239th birthday of the United States and what better way to spend the day than a backyard cookout with family and friends.  Thanks to an all-American tradition, Americans across the nation will break out their lawn chairs and fire up their grills to celebrate and, of course, polyurethane will be joining the party too! 

Wood or metal outdoor furniture may benefit from protective top-coat finishes to prevent damage from moisture or ultraviolet light on warm summer days.  Polyurethane may be painted or sprayed on wooden decks and patio furniture and can provide...

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Combining Art and Science: Aircraft Paints and Coatings

Airline passengers and aviation enthusiasts often marvel at advancements in jet engines, cockpit electronics and aircraft size. But we rarely appreciate the importance of aircraft paint and recognize its contributions to safety, fuel efficiency and aerodynamics.

The challenges are obvious for paint on the exterior of aircraft: The paint must protect the exterior surfaces of an airplane at 500 miles per hour or more, including high levels of ultraviolet (UV) exposure, rapid and extreme temperature changes, high wind velocities, and the effects of rain.

Similarly, paint and coatings inside the cabin of an aircraft must meet high standards of...

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It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane. It’s Polyurethane!

Solar Impulse 2 has a BIG goal: to be the first airplane to fly day and night around the world using only solar power.

The solar-powered airplane, officially known as Solar Impulse 2, is in the midst of its five-month around-the-world trek. (Solar Impulse 1, which flew across America in 2013, was the prototype for the project.) Swiss aviator, researcher and psychiatrist Bertrand Piccard founded the Solar Impulse project more than a decade ago with former Swiss Air Force pilot André Borschberg – and the two share piloting duties.

During the day, 17,248 solar cells, which cover much...

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American Institute of Architects National Convention

From May 14-16, the American Institute of Architects are hosting their National Convention in Atlanta, GA. This Convention is one of the largest assemblies of architects and design professionals in the world. The expo spreads out to over 170,000 sq. ft. of booths, galleries, and lounges. Software and technology, energy efficiency, building systems, finishes, lighting, stone and tile, restoration, and many more types of companies exhibit at the event.

Architects often use polyurethane due to its durability and flexibility. When architects find themselves facing difficult challenges, polyurethane is often the material they turn to for effective solutions.  One of the...

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