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polyurethanes
polyurethanes , group of plastics that may be either thermosetting or thermoplastic. Polyurethane can be made into both flexible and rigid foams. The flexible foam is often used in furniture and automobile cushions, in mattresses, and for carpet backings. The rigid foam is used for the thermal insulation of refrigerators, trucks, and buildings. In the furniture industry the rigid foam is molded into mirror frames, chair shells, and other parts that were formerly made from wood. Some polyurethanes are highly elastic materials that are resistant to chemical attack and to abrasion. They are used in such things as solid rubber tires and shoe heels. Lycra, a fiber used in stretch clothing, is a polyurethane. Polyurethanes are also used as decorative and protective coatings, exhibiting high gloss, hardness, and toughness. |
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"polyurethanes." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "polyurethanes." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-polyuret.html "polyurethanes." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-polyuret.html |
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polyurethane
pol·y·u·re·thane / ˌpäliˈyoōrəˌ[unvoicedth]ān/ • n. a synthetic resin in which the polymer units are linked by urethane groups, used chiefly as constituents of paints, varnishes, adhesives, and foams. • v. [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (polyurethaned) coat or protect with paint or varnish of this kind. |
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"polyurethane." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "polyurethane." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-polyurethane.html "polyurethane." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-polyurethane.html |
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polyurethane
polyurethane •airplane, terreplein
•sailplane, tailplane
•mainplane
•seaplane, ski-plane
•chilblain
•biplane, triplane
•warplane • towplane • Tamerlane
•monoplane • aeroplane • gyroplane
•hydroplane • châtelaine • aquaplane
•balletomane • Moulmein
•Charlemagne • frangipane • propane
•windowpane • counterpane
•membrane • checkrein • lamebrain
•migraine • ingrain • quatrain
•grosgrain • wholegrain • scatterbrain
•suzerain • birdbrain • sixain
•elastane • Beltane • Aquitaine
•octane
•Fonteyn, montane
•Holstein • Bloemfontein • butane
•bloodstain • chevrotain
•ethane, methane
•polyurethane • Alfvén • paravane
•weathervane • vervain • Gawain
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Cite this article
"polyurethane." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "polyurethane." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-polyurethane.html "polyurethane." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-polyurethane.html |
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