Where is it found?

Automotive applications

Polyurethanes are widely used in car manufacture, offering real benefits in terms of comfort, protection and energy conservation.

Polyurethane foams can be found in seats, armrests and headrests of most cars, where their cushioning properties help to reduce the fatigue and stress often associated with driving.

Their durability and light weight, combined with their strength, make them ideal not only for cushioning purposes, but also within the bodies of cars, where their insulation properties provide protection against the heat and noise of the engine.

Because polyurethanes are so strong and light, their use means that the overall weight of cars is reduced, resulting in greater fuel efficiency and improved environmental performance.

Applications and uses of polyurethanes

Polyurethanes are found just about everywhere in modern life; the chair you are sitting on, the bed you sleep in, the house you live in, the car you drive – all these, plus innumerable other items you use contain polyurethanes. This section explores some of the more common applications of polyurethanes and provides an insight into their use.

Building insulation

Refrigerators and freezers

Furniture and bedding

Footwear

Automotive

Coatings and adhesives

Other applications