---
title: "List of polyurethane applications"
chunk: 3/4
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_polyurethane_applications"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T03:29:47.586575+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

Polyurethane is also used in making solid tires and wheels. Industrial applications include forklift drive and load wheels, grocery and industrial carts, and roller coaster wheels. Modern roller blading and skateboarding became economical only with the introduction of tough, abrasion-resistant polyurethane parts, helping to usher in the popularity of what had once been an obscure 1960s craze.  The durability of polyurethane wheels allowed the range of tricks and stunts performed on skateboards to expand considerably. Polyurethane is also used to make small equipment tires in the lawn and garden industry for wheelbarrows, hand trucks, lawn mowers, carts, etc. They provide the bounce and feel of an air-filled tire with the benefit of no punctures. They weigh about the same as air-filled tires as well, even though they are solid polyurethane all the way through. Other constructions have been developed for pneumatic tires, and microcellular foam variants are widely used in tires on wheelchairs, bicycles and other uses. These latter foam types are also widely encountered in car steering wheels and other interior and exterior automotive parts, including bumpers and fenders.

== Automotive parts ==
Polyurethane usage has increased over the past twenty years in the automotive industry.  It is being used to replace traditional rubber bushings which are known to fail or wear out on road surfaces prone to large amounts of salt and chemical debris.
Using polyurethane bushings can have many benefits like maintaining the right alignment of caster, camber and toe and thereby increasing the overall control and handling. It also increases the lifespan, provides more resistance to wear out and is less pervious to oil and similar road contaminants.
Polyurethane (PU) is popularized in the manufacturing of some of the highest quality aerodynamic components /body kits (body kits) for varying automobiles (car, truck, and SUV) on the market. These components include bumpers, side skirts, roll pans, and wiper cowls.  Polyurethane allows production of durable components unlike the conventional fiberglass (FRP) that can easily break upon impact. Polyurethane is highly flexible therefore more resistant to damage. Including durability, these body kits when produced by a reputable manufacturer, exhibits less imperfections, are easy to install and maintain, and are affordable.
When fiberglass body kits begin to show cracks, chips from usual wear and tear, a well manufactured polyurethane components have similar durability to a factory installed bumper. As mentioned above, when produced by a reputable manufacturer, tend to have less pinholes and casting imperfections.  Flexibility of polyurethane makes them easy to work with. Installation can be completed individually as a "do-it-yourself" project. Maintenance is extremely simple. Concerning pricing, it may vary depending on the manufacturer but are kept between an affordable range. As good as it sounds, polyurethane body kits too have its downfalls. Fiberglass or carbon fiber components are lighter in weight than most polyurethane kits. Polyurethane, again is flexible but more material and thickness is most often needed to keep adequate stiffness for road use. For drivers seeking speed for their higher performance vehicle, this can become a problem. Also, unlike fiberglass, polyurethane cannot be patched or repaired. Though it is much harder to damage, if damage did occur, the entire component must be removed and replaced.  There are varying options when purchasing polyurethane kits.

== Electronic components ==
Often electronic circuit components and wires are protected from environmental influence and mechanical shock by enclosing them in polyurethane. Typically polyurethanes are selected for the excellent abrasion resistances, good electrical properties, excellent adhesion, impact strength, and low-temperature flexibility. The disadvantage of polyurethanes is the limited upper service temperature (typically 250 °F (121 °C)).
The production the electronic circuit-board manufacture would use a two-part urethane (resin and catalyst) that would be mixed and poured onto the circuit assembly (see resin dispensing). In most cases, after the urethane cures, the completed circuit board would not be repairable. Because of its physical properties and low cost, polyurethane encapsulation (potting) is a popular option in the automotive manufacturing sector for automotive circuits and sensors.

== Adhesives ==
Polyurethane can be used as an adhesive, especially as a woodworking glue. Its main advantage over more traditional wood glues is its water resistance. It was introduced to the general North American market in the 1990s as Gorilla Glue and Excel, but had been available in Europe much earlier. Polyurethane is the basis for some construction adhesives in a caulking tube format.
On the way to a new and better glue for bookbinders, a new adhesive system was introduced for the first time in 1985. The base for this system is polyether or polyester, whereas polyurethane (PUR) is used as prepolymer. Its special features are coagulation at room temperature and resistance to moisture.
First generation (1988)

Low starting solidity
High viscosity
Cure time >3 days
Second generation (1996)

Low starting solidity
High viscosity
Cure time <3 days
Third generation (2000)

Good starting solidity
Low viscosity
Cure time between 6 and 16 hours
Fourth generation (present)

Good starting solidity
Very low viscosity
Cure reached within a few seconds due to dual-core systems
Advantages of polyurethane glue in the bookbinding industry:

PUR is better than hotmelt or cold glue for most applications. Because of the lack of moisture in the glue, paper with contrary grain direction can be glued without problems. Even printed and supercalendered paper can be bound without problems. It is the most economical glue, with a theoretical application thickness of 0.01 mm. However, in actual use, it is not practical to apply less than 0.03 mm.
PUR glue is weather-proof, and stable at temperatures from −40 °C (−40 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F).

== Abrasion resistance ==
Thermoset polyurethanes are also used as a protective coating against abrasion. Cast polyurethane over materials such as steel will absorb particle impact more efficiently. Polyurethanes have been proven to last in excess of 25 years in abrasive environments where non-coated steel would erode in less than 8 years. Polyurethanes are used in industries such as: