What is Vulkollan?

At Watts, we are one of the only Vulkollan manufacturers in the UK which means that you can get this hardwearing material at a lower cost and with shorter lead times here on the doorstep. Vulkollan is a hardwearing high-performance polyurethane elastomer that is renowned for its exceptional physical properties and versatility. It’s an incredibly durable material that meets the needs of various industries and these properties makes it an invaluable asset in applications demanding resilience, wear resistance, and adaptability.

6 key properties of Vulkollan

1. 1. High Resilience: Vulkollan exhibits remarkable rebound elasticity, which means that it is an excellent tyre material. But also allows it to withstand repeated impacts without significant wear. This property makes it ideal for any applications that require durability and longevity.
   2. Excellent Wear Resistance: One of the standout features of Vulkollan is its resistance to abrasion and wear. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in environments where materials are subjected to abrasion or friction, such as in wheels, scrapers, rollers, and conveyor systems.
   3. Chemical Resistance: Vulkollan demonstrates good resistance to a variety of chemicals, oils, and greases, making it suitable for use in demanding industrial settings.
   4. Temperature Range: Vulkollan maintains its properties over a wide temperature range, from approx. -10’C to 110’C (application dependant). This thermal stability allows it to be used in diverse environments without compromising performance.
   5. Mechanical Strength: Vulkollan offers superior tensile strength and tear resistance compared to common elastomers like natural rubber and silicone. This makes it particularly effective in applications that require durability under heavy load or stress.
   6. Cost-Effectiveness: Although Vulkollan may have a higher initial cost compared to some standard elastomers, its longevity and performance often result in lower overall lifecycle costs, especially in heavy-duty applications.

Applications of Vulkollan:

Due to its unique properties, Vulkollan is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Industrial Wheels and Rollers: Its wear resistance and elasticity make it an excellent choice for wheels and rollers in industrial machines, transportation, and logistics.
• Bushings and Mounts: Vulkollan is used in automotive and machinery applications for noise and vibration damping, enhancing comfort and reducing wear on components.
• Sealings and Gaskets: Thanks to its chemical resistance and low compression set, Vulkollan is utilized in applications requiring reliable seals in pumps and valves.
• Sports and Leisure Equipment: The material is also found in sports equipment, providing a combination of durability and performance.
• Theme park wheels and rollers: These are hard wearing, reliable, cost effective and they keep cool at high speeds. Re-bonding of existing wheel centres is also available, which results in a very environmentally friendly way of replacing tyres.
• Aerospace industries: Due to the robustness of this material it is ideal for this application.

Conclusion:

Vulkollan stands out as a versatile and durable material that meets the needs of various industries. Its unique blend of properties makes it an invaluable asset in applications demanding resilience, wear resistance, and adaptability. As industries continue to innovate, the role of materials like Vulkollan will only become more significant.