Polyol - Innochem International

Polyurethanes are one of the most versatile plastic materials. The nature of the chemistry allows polyurethanes to be adapted to solve challenging problems, to be molded into unusual shapes and to enhance industrial and consumer products by adding comfort, warmth and convenience to our lives.

Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. Because a variety of diisocyanates and a wide range of polyols can be used to produce polyurethane, a broad spectrum of materials can be produced to meet the needs of specific applications.

On the basis of applications:

• Flexible Foam
• Rigid Foam
• Others (Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers)

Polyester Polyols

A polyester polyol is a polyol used in polyurethane production that is saturated and has terminal hydroxyl groups.

Polyester polyols are used to make both rigid and flexible polyurethanes.  They tend to be more expensive than polyether polyols and are also more viscous at the same temperature as a polyether polyol would be. Additionally, polyester polyols are more easily attacked by moisture and broken down, so they are only used in applications where the physical properties that they can give to the polyurethane are needed.