Blog
Comparisons, buying guides and practical notes for people who specify, buy and process polyurethane raw materials.
- 8 min readBuying Guide
How To Choose A Polyurethane Raw Material Supplier: A 2026 Checklist
A 2026 buyer's checklist for choosing a polyurethane raw material supplier: documents, batch checks, technical support, logistics and red flags to avoid. - 7 min readComparison
MDI Vs TDI: Choosing The Right Isocyanate
MDI vs TDI compared: structure, NCO content, volatility, handling, grades and typical applications, with a checklist for choosing the right isocyanate. - 7 min readComparison
PIR Vs PUR: Which Insulation Foam Fits Your Product?
PIR vs PUR insulation foam compared: chemistry, isocyanate index, fire behaviour, lambda, friability and processing, plus a checklist for choosing. - 7 min readComparison
Polyether Vs Polyester Polyol: Which One For Your Application?
Polyether vs polyester polyol compared on hydrolysis, strength, oil resistance, cold flexibility and cost, with a quick decision list for each application. - 7 min readComparison
Polyurea Vs Polyurethane Coatings: How To Choose
Polyurea vs polyurethane coatings compared: chemistry, cure speed, moisture tolerance, UV stability, equipment and cost, with a checklist for choosing. - 8 min readHow-To
Polyurethane Mix Ratio: How To Calculate It, Step By Step
How to calculate a polyurethane mix ratio from OH value, NCO content and index, convert it to a volume ratio and estimate kilograms and drums for a job. - 7 min readBuying Guide
Polyurethane Shoe Sole Raw Materials: What Goes Into A PU Sole
Polyurethane shoe sole raw materials explained: polyol blend and MDI prepolymer, polyester vs polyether soles, typical densities, processing and defects. - 7 min readPurchasing
The True Cost Of Cheap Polyurethane Raw Materials
Why price per kg misleads: a total-cost model for polyurethane raw materials with a worked example, the hidden cost drivers and what to measure in a trial.
Reference
The Raw Material Guides
For the background behind the articles, start with the guide to each raw material family.
- 01Polyols For PolyurethanePolyols for polyurethane explained: polyether, polyester, polymer and bio-based grades, OH value, functionality and how to choose one per application.
- 02Isocyanates For Polyurethane: MDI, TDI And PrepolymersIsocyanates for polyurethane: MDI, polymeric MDI, TDI, aliphatics and prepolymers, NCO content, isocyanate index, safe storage and EU training rules.
- 03Polyurethane AdditivesPolyurethane additives explained: catalysts, silicone surfactants, blowing agents, flame retardants and chain extenders, with typical dosages and fixes.
- 04Polyurethane Raw Materials By ApplicationWhich polyols, isocyanates and additives each application uses: rigid and flexible foam, footwear, coatings, adhesives and binders, in one clear table.