polyurethanes 2008 technical conference (CD)

The Polyurethanes 2008 Technical Conference (CD) contains technical papers and poster abstracts presented at the Polyurethanes 2008 Technical Conference held September 28-30, 2008 at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas.

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Polyurethane

History

It doesn’t matter where you look, you will most likely find polyurethane. Polyurethanes can be a found in liquid coatings and paints, tough elastomers such as roller blade wheels, rigid insulation, soft flexible foam, elastic fiber, or as an integral skin. No matter how polyurethane is transformed, the underlying chemistry is the result of one man’s genius, Prof. Dr. Otto Bayer (1902-1982). Prof. Dr. Otto Bayer is recognized as the “father” of the polyurethane industry for his invention of the basic diisocyanate polyaddition process.

The origin of polyurethane dates back to the beginning of World War II where it is was first developed as a replacement for rubber. The versatility of this new organic polymer and its ability to substitute for scarce materials, spurred numerous applications. During World War II, polyurethane coatings were used for the impregnation of paper and the manufacture of mustard gas resistant garments, high-gloss airplane finishes and chemical and corrosion resistant coatings to protect metal, wood and masonry.

By the end of the war, polyurethane coatings were being manufactured and used on an industrial scale and could be custom formulated for specific applications. By the mid-50’s, polyurethanes could be found in coatings and adhesives, elastomers and rigid foams. It wasn’t until the late-50’s, that comfortable cushioning flexible foams were commercially available. With the development of a low-cost polyether polyol, flexible foams opened the door to the upholstery and automotive applications we know today.

Formulations, additives and processing techniques continued to be developed such as reinforced and structural moldings for exterior automotive parts and one-component systems. Today, polyurethanes can be found in virtually everything we touch – our desks, chairs, cars, clothes, footwear, appliances, beds, the insulation in our walls, roof and moldings on our homes. To learn more about polyurethane applications, click here.

• Learn How Polyurethane Is Made

• Visit the Polyurethane Hall of Fame

Timeline of Polyurethane Applications

1937
Dr. Otto Bayer discovers the basic polyurethane chemistry. I.G. Farben (Bayer) patents the process

1940
Rigid foam first introduced for aircraft

1941
Adhesive between rubber, metal and glass

1948
First insulation application - a beer barrel

1949
Vulcanized rollable polyurethane rubber

1953
Shoe soles - Synthetic leather

1954
Foam cushions

1958
Introduction of Spandex fiber

1960
Steel sandwich building panels