look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

Polyurethane Track Systems Help Athletes Go for the Gold

From the performance clothing athletes wear to the equipment they use, like the coating on a discus or a javelin, polyurethane is a fixture in the sport of track and field. But, did you know that in some cases, a running track itself is made possible by polyurethane? At the high school, college and professional levels, more track and field facilities are installing track systems that utilize polyurethane as a critical component in their design. The track system itself is comprised of rubber crumbs in which polyurethane is used as the binding agent that keeps it all together.

A Hospitable...

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Polyurethane brings ancient architectural details into the 21st century

Architectural details from the distant past are getting an update with molded polyurethane components that make them easier to install and maintain.

Crown molding — the decorative strip around the top of a wall — and columns are two architectural details that trace their lineage back to ancient Egypt. Over the millennia, these details evolved from being made of stone to plaster to wood. Even today, many people like the “finished” look of crown molding or chair railings (molding that goes around the room’s wall at chair height) while columns are used in the exteriors of several American home styles,...

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What is “workleisure” — and is it here to stay?

Polyurethane has long been a key component in exercise clothing. The features polyurethane brings to this apparel —stretch, water resistance, durability and light weight — have made it indispensable in fabrics that need to perform in the gym or out in the elements while allowing the wearer freedom of movement. 

Those same characteristics have had an unexpected side benefit: exercise clothing is extremely comfortable to wear. The athleisure trend — essentially, wearing clothing that is designed for or styled like exercise clothing even when not exercising — was already in full swing prior to the pandemic. 

Then, suddenly we were...

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Take a hike with polyurethane

Hiking is a great exercise that allows you to soak in the fresh air. Having the right gear for your hike can make it so much more enjoyable. Polyurethane is a key component in many of the items you’ll need to make your hike successful. 

Water coolers

Making a plan to stay hydrated is one of the most important aspects of your pre-hike preparation. It’s possible that you won’t be near a source of drinkable water, and while any water is better than none, it’s nice to be able to keep your drinking water at a refreshing temperature. 

Many water...

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Polyurethane helps conquer unique challenges for face masks

Today, face coverings have become a part of our daily lives and a necessity whenever we’re outside the home. In the early days of the pandemic, medical masks and N95-style masks were our only options — and often in short supply. Soon, manufacturers of all kinds stepped forward to fill the void and now a wide variety of non-medical masks are available in a range of styles, colors and prices. Polyurethane has proven itself an indispensable material as some manufacturers look to create masks like these that cater to specific scenarios. 

A mask that can handle your workout

For athletes...

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A Young Chemist’s Work Helps to Conserve Energy Resources, Empowering Consumers to Do More with Less

Senior chemist Raul Dacomba was lucky. Professional inspiration struck him at a young age, but to hear him tell it, it came about in an unusual way.

Polyurethane hits the road in a concept camper

It may just be the perfect time for a concept camper that showcases dozens of innovative technologies — many of them made possible with polyurethane. After all, 2020 has been “The Year of the Road Trip.” While air travel and large hotel chains have suffered during the pandemic, recreational vehicles and camp sites have seen a resurgence in popularity. Interest in outdoor adventures has peaked at a time when families are desperate for time away from home but also cognizant of the need for social distancing. 

The VisionVenture concept camper includes improvements that feature a number of high-performance materials in everything...

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A Young Polyurethane Professional Works to Create Wood Composites of the Future

While completing his degree in chemistry at a master’s program, Gustavo Leon first learned about polyurethane production and polyurethane’s presence in everyday products. Raised and educated in Venezuela, Gustavo’s love of chemistry eventually led him to seek a career in the United States.

A Circular Lifecycle for Mattresses

Old mattresses have long been a visible symbol of a wasteful and linear product lifecycle. More than 50,000 are discarded every day in the U.S., and illegally dumped mattresses are a blight on the landscape. But it doesn’t need to be that way. More than 80% of a mattress can be recycled — including any polyurethane foam components. 

Through its “Bye Bye Mattress” program, the Mattress Recycling Council has recycled more than 6 million mattresses in the past five years. Hotels, hospitals, mattress retailers and individual consumers can take advantage of these recycling programs. While mattress recycling facilities exist...

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