Polyether polyols are an important class of chemical raw materials, mainly used in the production of polyurethane materials. They are formed by the reaction of epoxides with diols or polyols, and have excellent properties such as good chemical stability, heat resistance, and low-temperature flexibility. The main uses of polyether polyols include:
1. Polyurethane foam materials
Polyether polyols are the key raw materials for the production of polyurethane foams. According to different application requirements, polyether polyols can be used to make hard and soft foams of different densities. Polyurethane foams are widely used in the following fields:
Construction and insulation materials: such as insulation boards, thermal insulation materials, etc.
Furniture: such as sofa cushions, mattresses, seat cushions, etc.
Automotive industry: such as car seats, car interiors, etc.
Cold chain logistics: insulation materials for transporting perishable items.
2. Polyurethane elastomers
Polyurethane elastomers are another important use. They have rubber-like elasticity, but are more wear-resistant, oil-resistant, and high-temperature resistant than traditional rubber, so they are widely used in the following fields:
Automotive industry: such as tires, car seals, shock absorbers, window seals, etc.
Industrial fields: such as conveyor belts, mechanical parts, seals, etc.
3. Coatings, adhesives and sealants
Polyether polyols are also widely used in the manufacture of polyurethane coatings, adhesives and sealants, which have high weather resistance, corrosion resistance and chemical resistance. They are often used in:
Construction industry: such as floor coatings, exterior wall coatings, etc.
Automobiles and ships: used for surface coating protection.
Wood and furniture: such as wood coatings, furniture surface treatment, etc.
4. Polyurethane rigid foam materials
Polyurethane rigid foam materials are used to make high-strength insulation boards, sound insulation boards, etc., and are used in cold storage, building insulation, refrigerators and other equipment. Due to its excellent thermal insulation properties, rigid foam materials are widely used in construction and industrial fields.
5. Fibers
Polyether polyols can be used to produce polyurethane fibers by reacting with isocyanates. These fibers are widely used in:
Clothing industry: such as elastic fabrics such as sportswear and underwear.
Household items: such as elastic mattresses and fiber materials for furniture.
6. Thermoplastic polyurethane
Polyether polyols are the key ingredients for the production of thermoplastic polyurethane. TPU is a plastic with good flexibility, wear resistance and weather resistance. It is widely used in:
Footwear: such as soles, sports shoes, etc.
Cables: such as cable sheaths.
Automotive accessories: such as hoses, gaskets, etc.
7. Other special applications
Polyether polyols can also be used in some special chemical synthesis fields, such as:
Optical materials: Some polyether polyols can be used as substrates for optical materials.
Medical and biomaterials: used for the synthesis of medical adhesives or biocompatible materials.
The main use of polyether polyols is as the basic raw material of polyurethane materials, used to produce various polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, sealants, rigid foam materials, etc., and widely used in construction, automobiles, homes, packaging, electronics, textiles and other industries. Due to its excellent chemical properties and versatility, polyether polyols occupy an important position in modern industry.
