Having already deepened the technical aspects and the strategic characteristics of the polyurethane moulding, this article aims to illustrate the origins of polyurethane workout and about its evolution into expanded polyurethane, which is a natural consequence of research targeting market aligned needs.

The history of the processing of the polyurethane in different application areas

We owe the polymer discovery, as a basis for the processing of polyurethane foam, to Otto Bayer, who obtained this new material while experimenting in his labs in Germany in 1937.

In the Forties, the first polyurethane foam obtained from polystyrene was used in the building industry, due to its characteristics: because of its fluidity when laying, it was good to counterbalance the natural cavity of traditional materials and ease insulation in the structures.

Only in late fifties, the potential of this process needed to be improved and enhanced so this material was used in the manufacturing of upholstered furniture, replacing fabrics waste.

Today’s processing of polyurethane foam

Research has led to the creation and marketing of materials which are increasingly oriented to satisfy consumers. Polyurethane foam is an example.

The mix of lightness, softness, pleasure to the touch and resistance to stresses of the polyurethane foam allow the exchange of air and the dispersion of humidity. These conditions prevent the onset of allergies linked to the proliferation of mites and bacteria, allowing the human body to enjoy a natural transpiration. Today, the processing of both rigid or flexible polyurethane foam is applied to different areas: from the upholstered furniture to the interiors for cars, from sporting items to packaging, up to the manufacturing of mattresses and pillows.

The processing of polyurethane foam endorses Fisem to industrialize a wide range of products with specific characteristics to satisfy the most varied needs.