Today we’re making polyurethane foam, which looks a lot like pumice in that it’s lightweight, porous, and cream colored. Polyurethane is a polymer that is used to make a variety of products, including seat cushions, insulation panels, seals and gaskets, roller coaster wheels, escalator rollers, carpet underlay, and wheels for skateboards.
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Spray foam (from a can) contains a polyurethane liquid that is designed to expand when it is exposed to air. That reaction isn’t exothermic, so it doesn’t generate heat like our experiment does.
This looks like spray foam but I know its not. What is spray foam made out of and why does your reaction heat up but sprat foam doesn’t????
There’s an order link in the main shopping list for this unit so you can purchase it. They are two different resins I think..
What is the difference between polyurethane A and B? Do you know where we can purchase it?
It’s an exothermic reaction, which means that when the reaction takes place, it releases energy (gets hot) when it forms the new molecules.
Hi Aurora, it’s Andie. Why does the reaction get so hot?