How Do You Spell POLYURETHANES?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒlɪjˈuːɹiːθˌe͡ɪnz] (IPA)

Polyurethanes is a word commonly used in the field of materials science and chemistry. It is pronounced /ˌpɒliˈjʊərəθeɪnz/, with the stress on the third syllable. The word is spelled with the prefix "poly-" which means many, and followed by "urethanes", which are organic compounds containing the urethane linkage. The spelling of "urethane" is based on the pronunciation of the word "ethane". The use of phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation of this complex word.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

POLYURETHANES Meaning and Definition

  1. Polyurethanes are a type of polymer derived from a chemical reaction between polyols (a type of alcohol) and diisocyanates (a type of organic compound containing two isocyanate groups). This versatile and highly customizable material is widely used in various industrial and commercial applications due to its exceptional physical properties.

    Polyurethanes have a wide range of thermoplastic and elastomeric qualities, making them suitable for a broad array of applications. They can be found in products such as foam cushions, insulation materials, adhesives, coatings, sealants, fibers, and elastomers. Polyurethane foam, in particular, is renowned for its excellent cushioning, insulating, and sound-deadening properties.

    One of the defining characteristics of polyurethanes is their unique ability to be tailored to specific performance requirements. By adjusting the types and quantities of the starting ingredients, manufacturers can create polyurethanes with varying hardness, flexibility, elasticity, conductivity, and chemical resistance. This versatility makes polyurethanes suitable for applications ranging from soft, flexible foams used in bedding and upholstery to rigid and high-strength materials used in construction and automotive industries.

    Furthermore, polyurethanes are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, oils, and weathering. They also exhibit excellent resilience and dimensional stability, allowing them to maintain their shape and properties under various conditions.

    Overall, polyurethanes are a diverse class of polymers known for their wide range of applications, customizable properties, and exceptional performance characteristics.

Common Misspellings for POLYURETHANES

Etymology of POLYURETHANES

The word "polyurethanes" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two parts: "poly-" and "urethane".

1. "Poly-" is derived from the Greek word "polus", meaning "many" or "much". It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific and technical terms to indicate "many" or "multiple".

2. "Urethane" refers to a chemical compound called ethyl carbamate or ethyl ester of carbamic acid. The term "urethane" itself originated from the German word "Harnstoff" which means "urea", and "urea" has its roots in the Greek "ouron", meaning "urine". Urea was initially isolated from urine, leading to the name association.