Polyurethane Composites: Expanding Applications Across Industries
Polyurethane composites are continually expanding their applications across various sectors due to their outstanding physical properties and chemical stability. Below are some of the key areas where polyurethane composites are being utilized:
1. Window and Door Systems
One of the latest applications of polyurethane pultruded materials is in window and door systems. These materials can be used to create larger, thinner profiles with sufficient strength for large window frames or even curtain walls. Compared to traditional aluminum, wood, and plastic window frames, polyurethane frames offer excellent expansion and contraction properties, weather resistance, and an aesthetic appearance that can mimic wood when painted.
2. Railway Ties
Polyurethane composites are also being used in the production of railway ties. Sekisui Chemical in Japan has successfully employed these materials for railway construction, using polyurethane resin sourced from Covestro. These ties resemble wood but combine the benefits of natural products and modern design, offering low thermal expansion, low thermal conductivity, and high compressive, tensile, and bending strengths. Additionally, they absorb very little water during heavy rain, maintaining their electrical insulation properties, and are lighter and easier to process onsite compared to concrete.
3. Wound Formed Utility Poles
In wound forming, the application of polyurethane composites has attracted significant interest from suppliers. Using proprietary polyurethane resin and fiber winding technology, the first polyurethane composite utility poles have been created. The inner layer of these poles is made with aromatic polyurethane, while the outer two layers use aliphatic polyurethane, resulting in a resin system with higher strength and toughness, reducing weight by 45%.
4. Automotive Industry Applications
Polyurethane composites are also gaining traction in the automotive industry. For instance, the Variable Fiber Injection (VFI) technology directly injects chopped glass fiber into the mixing chamber, which is then combined with polyurethane and injected into a mold to cure into shape. Compared to the S-RIM process, VFI products offer superior performance in terms of density. The Long Fiber Injection (LFI) technology is primarily used for producing automotive interior parts that require less mechanical strength but more complex designs, such as dashboards, interior panels, and underbody components.
5. Infrastructure Development
The growth of the infrastructure industry, particularly in social and transportation infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region, is expected to drive the polyurethane composite market forward. There is an increasing use of composites in civil infrastructure and construction materials, such as composite structural insulation panels used in temporary housing. These panels are designed and produced using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding and low-density polyurethane foam.
Conclusion
These new applications highlight the versatility and adaptability of polyurethane composites, indicating a bright future for their use across various industries. As technology continues to advance and innovations emerge, the application fields of polyurethane composites are expected to expand further, reinforcing their potential in future markets.