Summer has a way of putting materials to the test. Heat, water, sun, movement and travel can all be tough on everyday products. Polyurethane often plays a quiet role in helping those products perform.
Keeping food and drinks cool
Many hard-sided coolers use rigid polyurethane foam in their walls and lids to help keep food and drinks cold for longer. This kind of insulation can make a real difference on a beach day, camping trip or long drive.
On the water
Polyurethane is also used in marine applications. Two-part polyurethane flotation foam is poured into boat cavities, where it expands and cures into a lightweight foam used for flotation, thermal insulation and soundproofing.
Surfboards are another familiar example. Many traditional boards use a shaped polyurethane foam core, usually covered with fiberglass and resin. The foam can be shaped accurately, which is one reason it has long been used by board builders.
Polyurethane sealants and adhesives can also help bond and seal materials such as wood, fiberglass and metal in boats and other marine equipment.
In the garden
On land, polyurethane coatings, sealants and adhesives can help outdoor products withstand wear, weather and movement. In summer, that can include garden equipment, outdoor furniture and other products used outside.
On the move
Polyurethane can also be found in clothing and outdoor equipment. In sportswear, shoes, bags and waterproof garments, it often appears as a thin coating, membrane or film. Polyurethane coatings and TPU films can support properties such as breathability, water resistance, seam sealing and durability.
For camping and travel, flexible polyurethane foam may also be used in cushions, mattresses and padding, where comfort and support matter.
Polyurethane may not be the first thing you notice during summer, but it is often part of what helps summer products work well. It can help keep drinks cold, support flotation, shape surfboards, seal boats, protect outdoor gear and make clothing or camping equipment more comfortable.
