Differences between polyester and polyurethane

Synthetic materials appeared relatively recently - in the second half of the last century. Their invention essentially produced a real revolution - they have many unique properties that materials of natural origin do not possess. Many polymers have become so widespread that they have even entered the everyday life of the majority of the world's population.

This is, for example, polyurethane and polyester - polymers, on the basis of which a huge number of fibers, inorganic resins, fabrics, plastics and coatings are produced. Polyurethane and polyester are similar in their properties. But in some respects, polyurethane is superior to its closest brother.

As already mentioned, many different materials and products are made from polyurethane and polyester (polyester). For example, they are very popular polyester fabrics. Stretch fabric ceilings and clothing for sports and active recreation, which have unique qualities, are made from them.One of the fabrics containing polyester fibers is - fleece. It perfectly removes moisture from the body and actively evaporates it into the atmosphere, which provides increased comfort during active sports. It is not cold in such clothes, they do not stick to the body.

But the same material is widely used for applying polymer coating to sheet roofing products - metal tiles And profiled sheet. The same goes for polyurethane. They are similar in appearance, it is difficult to distinguish them by eye. But they have significant differences in properties, and therefore it is necessary to choose sheet roofing material with one type or another in accordance with current needs and specific operating conditions.

Polyurethane: the most important advantages

First of all, The difference between polyester and polyurethane lies in a number of important quality characteristics - in favor of polyurethane. Polymer polyurethane coating:

• much more elastic - cracking of the polymer layer for some reason metal tiles practically excluded;
• high level of adhesion - the polyurethane surface coating is more durable;
• enviable durability - profiled sheet or metal tiles with a polyurethane layer has a long service life, during which the product does not lose its appearance.

These are just some of the most notable benefits of polyurethane coatings. Based on this, you can easily distinguish a roofing material made of polyester from a sheet that looks exactly the same, but only has a polyurethane coating. To do this, just try to scratch the unnecessary piece of sheet a little - of course, without fanaticism, without applying any special effort. The polyurethane coating is only slightly deformed, and polyester with the same effort it can scratch to metal.

However, in many cases consumers choose profiled sheet With polyester polymer coating, since the price of such a roofing product is more affordable. If care is taken during transportation and careful installation, the service life of such material is also significant. True, large dry branches that fell on the roof during a storm can leave noticeable marks on the product, but this is a completely different question.

Polyester (polyester): basic properties of material and coatings

The basis for the production of any polyester or polyester (second name) materials are based on high-molecular compounds obtained in chemical production from petroleum.

The product of polyester production is films, plastics, fabrics and polymer coatings, which are used in the manufacture of facade panels and sheet roofing products based on rolled metal.

Polyester products are also used in the production of consumer goods, road signs, outdoor advertising and even car parts. They are resistant to the influence of the external environment, do not fade under the influence of light, and have decent mechanical strength. But such a product cannot withstand strong alkalis. The popularity of polyester coatings is high - their properties are sufficient for most consumers. Their affordable price also attracts attention.

Materials with polyurethane

Polyurethane is usually classified as a group of artificial elastomers. It is available both in the form of hard plastic and in the form of soft and very elastic rubber. Polyurethane coatings for a wide variety of materials and parts are widely known. They have wonderful adhesive properties, and therefore adhere perfectly not only to metal, but also to wood and concrete. They are not afraid of exposure to atmospheric factors, aggressive environments, including alkaline ones.

Such products are not subject to abrasive wear; scratches appear on them only under sufficiently severe mechanical stress.

Of course, compared to polyester This polymer is much less affordable as a raw material. But its excellent performance qualities more than compensate for this shortcoming.