Choosing the Best Polyurethane Material
Not sure what kind of polyurethane is best for your application? Each type of polyurethane has many different uses, and as such, each type has different properties. The qualities of each type concern everything from a material’s reaction to heat, to its ability to withstand tearing, to its level of abrasion resistance. Utilize our guide to determine which material is right for your use of polyurethane.
To begin with, there are two main types of polyurethanes: polyester and polyether.
Specs
Polyester
A chemical building block of polyurethane that provides high resistance to solvents and good mechanical properties.
Polyether
Also a chemical building block of polyurethane. It is sometimes used in place of polyester, providing high resilience and hydrolytic stability.
Within the polyester and polyether groupings there are TDI and MDI urethanes, MDI polyether, TDI polyester, and low-cost polyether.
TDI and MDI are both building blocks of polyurethane, and are base forms of urethane resin. However, MDI (methylene di-ioscyanate) needs non-Moca Type curatives, whereas TDI (toluene di-isocyanate) needs Moca Type curatives.
Guide to Choosing the Best Polyurethane Material
| Property | Most Appropriate | Least Appropriate |
| Abrasion Resistance: Sliding | Polyester | Low Cost Polyether |
| Abrasion Resistance: Impingement (Colliding) | MDI Polyether | Low Cost Polyether |
| Compression Set | TDI | MDI |
| Heat Aging | Polyester | Low Cost Polyether |
| Heat Buildup | Polyether | Polyester |
| High Temperature Properties | TDI | MDI |
| Hydrolysis (Reaction with Water) Resistance | MDI Polyether | TDI Polyester |
| Low Temperature Properties | MDI Polyether | TDI Polyester |
| Oil Resistance | Polyester | Polyether |
| Rebound | MDI Polyether | TDI Polyester |
| Tear Strength | Polyester | Low Cost Polyether |
| Tensile (Tension) Strength | Polyester | Polyether |
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