The difference between water-based and oil-based polyurethane resins

1、 Definition and Characteristics

Waterborne polyurethane resin:

Non polluting, safe and reliable, using water as a solvent, environmentally friendly.

Excellent mechanical properties, good compatibility, and easy modification.

Small odor, easy to operate, and easy to clean residual glue.

Definition: A new type of polyurethane system that uses water as a dispersant instead of organic solvents, also known as water dispersed polyurethane, aqueous polyurethane, or water-based polyurethane.

Oil based polyurethane resin:

It has excellent strength and hardness, far higher than traditional organic resins.

Good corrosion resistance, able to resist the erosion of chemicals such as water, oxidants, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

Definition: Polyurethane system with organic solvents as dispersion medium.

2、 Classification and Structure

Waterborne polyurethane resin:

Classification: polyurethane aqueous solution, polyurethane aqueous dispersion and polyurethane lotion according to particle size and appearance; According to the charge properties of hydrophilic groups, they can be divided into anionic, cationic, and non-ionic types; According to different synthetic monomers, it can be divided into polyether type, polyester type, and mixed type.

Structure: The entire synthesis process can be divided into two stages: pre stepwise polymerization and dispersion of the pre polymer in water after neutralization.

Oil based polyurethane resin:

Classification: It is usually not based on the type of solvent, but rather on its application field and characteristics.

Structure: Similar to waterborne polyurethane, but using organic solvents as dispersants during the synthesis process.

3、 Applications and Features

Waterborne polyurethane resin:

Application: Widely used in fields such as coatings, adhesives, fabric coatings and finishing agents, leather finishing agents, paper surface treatment agents, and fiber surface treatment agents.

Function: Suitable for plugging and gushing water in dynamic water formations, consolidating and protecting shallow and surface soil layers. Due to the good elasticity of the consolidated body, it is most suitable for anti-seepage and plugging of concrete dynamic joints.

Oil based polyurethane resin:

Application: Widely used in fields such as mechanical parts, textiles, automotive components, aircraft, and building materials.

Function: The formed consolidated body has high strength and good impermeability, suitable for engineering projects that strengthen foundations, protect forests from water leakage, and is more suitable for anti-seepage and reinforcement of concrete static joints.

4、 Appearance and color

Waterborne polyurethane resin: Chemical grouting materials are usually light yellow.

Oil based polyurethane resin: The plugging agent is usually dark brown.

5、 Summary

There are significant differences between water-based and oil-based polyurethane resins in terms of definition, characteristics, classification, structure, application, function, and appearance. When choosing which type of polyurethane resin to use, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the specific application scenario and requirements. Waterborne polyurethane resin has been widely used and promoted in modern industry due to its environmental protection, safety, and easy operation characteristics; However, oil-based polyurethane resin plays an irreplaceable role in specific fields due to its high strength, corrosion resistance and other characteristics.