Polyurethane (PU) is the abbreviation for water-based polyurethane, which is typically defined as a high-molecular-weight compound with repeating urethane (NHCOO) units on the main chain of a polymer. Its structure is represented as CO-NH-R-NH-CO-O-R-O, typically formed through the step-growth polymerization reaction between diisocyanates and compounds containing two or more active hydrogen groups. In addition to urethane groups, urea and biuret groups are also formed.
In general, water-based polyurethane is an addition product of isocyanates. Depending on the number of functional groups in the reaction materials, water-based polyurethane resins can be synthesized with different linear or branched structures, resulting in different properties and applications of the obtained water-based polyurethane emulsions.
Characteristics of Water-based Polyurethane:
- High elasticity and cost-effectiveness
- Easy to use and modify
- Safe, non-toxic, non-flammable
- Strong adhesion, high and low temperature resistance
- Easy storage and handling
Applications of Water-based Polyurethane:
Textile Industry: Water-based polyurethane is used as a coating on fabrics to improve their properties, such as color depth, colorfastness, abrasion resistance, wrinkle resistance, resilience, water resistance, heat resistance, and washability.
Automotive Industry: Water-based polyurethane coatings are widely used in automotive body parts, interior and exterior components, including coatings for various plastic parts, automotive paints, and repair coatings. They help significantly reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Woodworking Industry: Water-based polyurethane coatings are commonly used as wood finishes. They offer excellent flexibility, wear resistance, low-temperature film formation, and good leveling, without causing re-sticking issues.
Construction Industry: Water-based polyurethane coatings have great potential in the field of architectural coatings, especially when mixed with acrylic emulsions. They meet the requirements for elasticity, stain resistance, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness in architectural coatings.
Coatings Industry: Standard water-based polyurethane coatings are flammable in air and have limited water resistance, which restricts their application. Extensive research has been conducted to develop specialized water-based polyurethane coatings with flame retardant, anti-corrosive, waterproof, and anti-mold properties, expanding their application range. Additionally, functional water-based polyurethane coatings with properties such as conductivity, environmental friendliness, shock absorption, biodegradability, and self-healing have also been developed based on specific needs.
Water-based Polyurethane Adhesives: Water-based polyurethane adhesives have excellent bonding performance and the film properties can be adjusted over a wide range. They are used in a variety of substrates, including footwear, automotive interior adhesives, vacuum forming adhesives, and woodworking adhesives.
Water-based Polyurethane Coatings: Water-based polyurethane coatings exhibit good cold resistance, solvent resistance, film formation, flexibility, dry and wet adhesion, and bonding strength, making them suitable for applications in leather coatings, fabric coatings, and automotive clearcoats, among others.
Water-based Polyurethane Ink Binders: Water-based polyurethane serves as an ink binder, providing excellent adhesion, color development, flexibility, and abrasion resistance to the ink.
Hunan GOLD-MINE Company is a manufacturer of high-quality and efficient solvent-based and water-based polyurethane resins, as well as acrylic resins. These products have wide applications in industries such as inks, coatings, and adhesives. The company offers free samples below 500g. For specific inquiries, please contact us by phone.