polyurethan
Noun 1. A synthetic polymer: A large molecule (polymer) made by chemically linking many smaller units (monomers) that contain the urethane group (-NHCOO-). It is not a single material but a family of versatile materials whose properties can be finely tuned during manufacturing. 2. A class of industrial materials: Refers to any of the various materials created from these polymers, which can be formulated to be rigid or flexible, solid or foam. These materials are valued for their durability, insulation properties, and resistance to abrasion.
- Noun:
- The car's seats are cushioned with a soft, flexible polyurethan foam.
- A protective coat of polyurethan was applied to the wooden floor to seal it.
- This type of insulation is made from rigid polyurethan.
- Chemical Context: In chemistry and materials science, the term specifies the polymer's structure based on the urethane linkage, distinguishing it from other polymers like polyethylene or polyester.
- Industry Terminology: Often used in manufacturing and construction to specify a material type, e.g., "polyurethan adhesive," "polyurethan coating," or "polyurethan elastomer."
- Polyurethane: The more common and standard modern spelling of the same word.
- PU: A common abbreviation used in technical specifications and industry (e.g., "PU foam," "PU coating").
- Urethane: A related chemical term; in casual or older industrial usage, "urethane" is sometimes used interchangeably with "polyurethan," though technically it refers to a specific monomer or a simpler compound.
- Synthetic polymer/resin: A general term for human-made materials of this class.
- (In specific forms): Foam, elastomer, coating, adhesive, sealant (when referring to the final product form made from polyurethan).
The core meaning is tied to the material's chemical composition. Its practical meaning shifts based on its final form: * As a flexible foam, it implies cushioning (in furniture, mattresses). * As a rigid foam, it implies insulation (in walls, refrigerators). * As a coating or finish, it implies a protective, often glossy, layer (on floors, furniture). * As an adhesive or sealant, it implies strong bonding and waterproofing properties.
- any of various polymers containing the urethane radical; a wide variety of synthetic forms are made and used as adhesives or plastics or paints or rubber