Polyurethane
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Polyurethanes are widely used in flexible
and rigid foams, durable elastomers and
high performance adhesives and sealants,
fibers, seals, gaskets, condoms, carpet
underlayment, and hard plastic parts.
Polyurethane products are often called
"urethanes".
Uses - Over three quarters of
the consumption of polyurethane products
is in the form of foams, with flexible
and rigid types being roughly equal in
market size. Polyurethane materials are
also used in coatings and varnishes used
in furniture manufacture, carpentry or
woodworking. Polyurethane is also used
as an adhesive, especially as a woodworking
glue. Its main advantage over more traditional
wood glues is its water resistance. It
is also used in making solid tires. Modern
roller blading and skateboarding became
economical only with the introduction
of tough, abrasion-resistant polyurethane
parts.
