To improve resistance to humidity, polyurea is blended with urethane. Water in the air will react with a urethane producing a cellular, porous material, which greatly diminishes physical properties. Suppliers of low pressure cold spray systems must rely solely on adding “moisture scavengers” to their material. This does not match the level of humidity protection provided by the addition of polyurea. Polyuereas are usually not used in low pressure systems because it generally sets-up too fast and plugs their “low tech” mixing tube gun. Polyurea also helps keep the material from softening in high heat conditions.

Following is a quick overview of the types of urethanes and their uses.

Urethanes can be processed into both rigid and flexible foams. Examples include:

• Seat cushions
• Sports equipment padding
• Building and sound insulation
• Floatation
• Packaging
• Toys

Urethanes are also used in molded products where stiffness, toughness and flexibility are desired. Everyday products of molded urethanes include:

• Automotive bumpers
• R.V. fronts and fenders
• Aftermarket automotive “Aero Kits”
• Imitation rocks and architectural elements

Another large family of urethanes is elastomers. These are flexible, rubber-like materials with exceptional resistance to abrasion, impact, chemicals, and moisture penetration. It is these properties that make urethane elastomers the preferred material for sprayed bedliners. Some well known products made from urethane elastomers are:

• Rollerblade and skateboard wheels
• Athletic shoe soles.
• Coatings and paints
• Sprayed bedliners

By sharing the above information, we hope to provide you with additional insight about our industry so that you may feel more comfortable when evaluating claims made by the various suppliers of sprayed bedliners. Sharing knowledge and information is typical of the way we conduct business.