1. POLYURETHANE / PU / NON-PVC 101

2. What Is Polyurethane? How Is It Made?

3. Pic of process from PU booklet

4. 2 nd Pic of process from PU booklet

5. WHY USE POLYURETHANES? Strength and Durability Performance (when made using high grade resins) Outstanding Inherent Stain Resistance Resistance to Cleaners Comfort Softness Breathability Temperature Control

6. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Decompose quicker than PVC products Incinerate more safely than PVC Typically emit a lower level of VOCs Phthalate-free

7. NOT ALL POLYURETHANES ARE CREATED EQUALLY!! 1.Polycarbonate PU-based materials -withstand 7+ years of hydrolysis testing 2.Polyether PU based materials - withstand 3-5 years hydrolysis testing 3.Polyester PU-based materials -withstand 1-2 years hydrolysis testing What makes a polyurethane suitable for the Healthcare Environment?

8. Base and Skin must both use polycarbonate resins! What makes a polyurethane suitable for the Healthcare Environment?

9. Otherwise…..the possibility of degradation, resulting in a field failure.

10. Hydrolysis is the process by which humidity and heat break down the cell structure of a polyurethane, resulting in a flaking, brittle surface. Warm weather and humidity can act as the catalyst for the degradation of the material, but even in an air- conditioned indoor environment, body heat and sweat can, over time, be sufficient to break down a poor quality polyurethane. What is Hydrolysis Resistance and How Do We Determine Resistance To It?

11. 1.What type of resin is it made of? - Polycarbonate resins should be used in BOTH the skin and base layers. 2.What is the minimum Hydrolysis Resistance suggested? - We recommend a minimum of 5 year results for Healthcare environments. 3.How can the material be cleaned? - Polyurethanes that are manufactured with polycarbonate resins offer excellent stain resistance and excellent clean-ability. For the tougher stains, they may be cleaned with a bleach or alcohol solution. The Three Questions to Ask When Selecting A Polyurethane: