Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer consisting of organic units linked by urethane (carbamate) bonds. This polymer has a wide range of applications because it can be customized into rigid, flexible, or elastic forms. However, their performance under chemical exposure depends on their specific formulation and environmental conditions. Understanding the chemical resistance of PUs is critical to selecting the right material for a specialized application.
Figure 1: Polyurethane (PU) polymer representation[1].
Alfa Chemistry provides a reference guide to PU chemical resistance. Please note that PU is not a uniform material class. Instead, it covers a wide range of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers to meet specific requirements. The polymer matrix may include additives, fillers, or reinforcements that modify chemical resistance. Structures vary from soft elastic foams to hard coatings, so individual formulations must be evaluated based on the target environment.
The chemical resistance listed below should always be checked against manufacturing data.
| Liquid | Classification |
| Aluminum chloride 10% | Vastly resistant |
| Ammonium chloride | Vastly resistant |
| Bichromate of potash | Vastly resistant |
| Calcium chloride 40% | Vastly resistant |
| Diesel oil | Vastly resistant |
| Ethylencloride | Vastly resistant |
| Magnesium chloride 30% | Vastly resistant |
| Petroleum | Vastly resistant |
| Potassium nitrate | Vastly resistant |
| Sodium chloride 10% | Vastly resistant |
| Sulfuric acid 30% | Short-term resistant |
| Aluminum Salts | Resistant |
| Ammonia 10% | Resistant |
| ASTM-Fuel No. I | Resistant |
| ASTM-Oil I | Resistant |
| ASTM-Oil II | Resistant |
| ASTM-Oil III | Resistant |
| Barium Salts | Resistant |
| Diethylether | Resistant |
| Diethylprestone | Resistant |
| Formaldehyde | Resistant |
| Gasoline | Resistant |
| Glycerin | Resistant |
| Glycol | Resistant |
| Jet-fuel | Resistant |
| Kerosene | Resistant |
| Kerosene | Resistant |
| Olive oil | Resistant |
| Ozone | Resistant |
| Paraffin oil | Resistant |
| Petroleum ether | Resistant |
| Potash lye 10% | Resistant |
| Sea water | Resistant |
| Silver salts 20% | Resistant |
| Soda lye 10% | Resistant |
| Tataric acid < 10% | Resistant |
| Vegetable fats | Resistant |
| Vegetable oils | Resistant |
| Acetone | Not resistant |
| Ammonium carbonate | Not resistant |
| Aniline | Not resistant |
| Benzene | Not resistant |
| Brake fluid ATE | Not resistant |
| Butanol | Not resistant |
| Butyl acetate | Not resistant |
| Carbon disulfide | Not resistant |
| Carbon tetrachloride 100% | Not resistant |
| Chlorobenzene | Not resistant |
| Chloroform | Not resistant |
| Chloroprene | Not resistant |
| Chromic acid | Not resistant |
| Cyclohexanone | Not resistant |
| Dimethylformamide | Not resistant |
| Ethylacetate | Not resistant |
| Formic acid 30% | Not resistant |
| Hydrochlorid acid | Not resistant |
| Isopropanol | Not resistant |
| Lactic acid 10% | Not resistant |
| Motor oil | Not resistant |
| Mythyl acetate | Not resistant |
| Mythyl chloride | Not resistant |
| Mythylglycol | Not resistant |
| Mythylglycolacetate | Not resistant |
| Nitric acid 30% | Not resistant |
| Perchlore ethylene | Not resistant |
| Phosphoric acid 50% | Not resistant |
| Potassium permanganate | Not resistant |
| Tetrahydrofuran | Not resistant |
| Toluene | Not resistant |
| Trachloroethylene | Not resistant |
| Trichlorethylene | Not resistant |
| Xylon | Not resistant |
| Acetic acid 20 - 80 10% | Conditionally resistant |
| ASTM-Fuel No. II | Conditionally resistant |
| ASTM-Fuel No. III | Conditionally resistant |
| Cutting oil | Conditionally resistant |
| Cyclohexan | Conditionally resistant |
| Ethanol | Conditionally resistant |
| Ethyl alcohol 100% | Conditionally resistant |
| Ethyl ether | Conditionally resistant |
| R-12 dichlorodifluoromethane | Conditionally resistant |
| R-22 chlorodifluoromethane | Conditionally resistant |
| Hydraulic oil SAE 90 | Conditionally resistant |
| Methanol < 5% | Conditionally resistant |
| Methylethylketon | Conditionally resistant |
| Mineral oil | Conditionally resistant |
A. Isocyanate Type
Aliphatic isocyanates tend to have better UV and hydrolytic stability than aromatic isocyanates.
B. Polyol Chain Composition
Ether-based polyols typically exhibit enhanced hydrolysis resistance, while ester-based polyols are more solvent-resistant.
C. Crosslink Density
Higher crosslink densities improve chemical resistance but reduce flexibility.
D. Additives and Fillers
Stabilizers, plasticizers, or fillers in a formulation can enhance or impair resistance to specific chemicals.
E. Temperature
High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions and may exacerbate degradation in certain environments.
F. Exposure Time
Prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals increases the risk of material damage.
The customizable properties of PUs allow them to excel in applications that require chemical resistance, such as:
Reference
Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.
Alfa Chemistry is a global leader in the field of plastics. Working with us, you will enjoy outstanding quality products and services at competitive prices.
Interested in our Services & Products? Need detailed information?
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Copyright © 2025 Alfa Chemistry. All rights reserved.