Polyurethane can offer significant advantages over synthetic or natural rubbers even though polyurethane and rubbers possess some similar elastomeric properties.
Here are 6 ways that polyurethane will outperform rubber in your applications:
1. Durability
Polyurethane is more durable than rubber. It is less likely to crack, tear, or deform under stress giving it a longer operational lifetime. This makes it a better choice for applications where the parts will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear, such as automotive components, conveyor belts, and hoses.
2. Chemical resistance
Polyurethane is more resistant to chemicals than rubber. It is not affected by most acids, bases, and solvents. This makes it a better choice for applications where the parts will be exposed to chemicals, such as gaskets, seals, and medical devices.
3. Weather resistance
Polyurethane is more resistant to weathering than rubber. It is not affected by sunlight, ozone, or extreme temperatures. This makes it a better choice for outdoor applications, such as bumpers, seals, and roofing materials.
4. Superior environmental resistance
Rubbers traditionally possess an inferior environmental resistance and are susceptible to attack by greases, oils or industrial solvents. The ability that we have to tailor polyurethane allows us to offer a material grade well-suited to a wide variety of industries or environments to overcome these issues.
5. Tensile strength
Polyurethane has a higher tensile strength than rubber. This means that it can withstand more force before it breaks. This makes it a better choice for applications where the parts need to be able to support a lot of weight, such as shock absorbers and suspension bushings.
6. Superior dynamic properties
Polyurethane exhibits superior dynamic properties; so a polyurethane component or wheel of the same Shore hardness as a rubber equivalent will handle greater loads or faster applications.
Applications where polyurethane parts are better than rubber parts:
- Automotive components: Polyurethane is often used in automotive components, such as seals, gaskets, and bumpers, because it is more durable and resistant to chemicals.
- Industrial applications: Polyurethane is used in a variety of industrial applications, such as conveyor belts, hoses, and seals, because it is durable and can withstand harsh environments.
Which material grade is right for your application?
This is where our knowledge and expertise comes in. When it comes to testing and selecting which of the many grades and hardnesses of polyurethane would be best for your application you need to rely on experience and expertise, because one size certainly doesn’t fit all. Our designers and chemists will look at your project from all angles so that we understand exactly how your part needs to perform and then it is tested, in house, to ensure it meets those requirements.
To find out more about the benefits of PU vs Rubber, please get in touch and a member of our expert team will be happy to help.
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