The Polyurethane reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Polyurethane

Urethane is any chemical compound produced by the reaction of an isocyanate and an alcohol according to the following formula:

R-N=C=O + H-O-Q →

    H

   /

R-N

   \\

    C=O

   /

Q-O

Although the reaction had been known for some decades, it was not until 1937 that Otto Bayer discovered how to make a useful plastic out of polyisocyanate and polyol.

Urethane technology was brought to America in 1953 by Jean-Pierre Abbat and Dr. Fritz Hartmann.

Polyurethane can be made in a variety of textures and hardnesses by varying the particular monomers used and adding other substances. It is used in adhesives, elastomers, foams, sealss, gaskets, condoms, carpet underlayment, and hard parts.

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