Polyurethane is an organic polymer.

"Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives." - Alliance of The Polyurethane Industry

Polyurethanes are best known to the public in the form of flexible foams: upholstery, mattresses, earplugs, chemical-resistant coatings, specialty adhesives and sealants, and packaging. It also comes to the rigid forms of insulation for buildings, water heaters, refrigerated transport, and commercial and residential refrigeration.

Otto Bayer and co-workers discovered and patented the chemistry of polyurethanes in 1937.

From Polyurethanes Business Gorup - Bayer Industries
Website Article: "1937 to 1949 - Invention, Research and Development"
 

William Hanford    Donald Holmes
William Edward Hanford and Donald Fletcher Holmes invented a process for making the multipurpose material polyurethane.

Alliance of The Polyurethane Industry

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