Polyurethane foamPU

A cellular polymer produced by reacting polyols with isocyanates, available in rigid closed-cell grades for insulation and core applications and in flexible grades for cushioning. Rigid PU foam is used as the insulating core of composite building panels and as a sandwich core where structural demands are modest, and spray-applied forms are used in roofing and cavity insulation.

Also known as: PU foam, PUR foam, polyurethane foam core

Related terms

Polyisocyanurate

PIR

A rigid closed-cell foam chemically related to polyurethane but with a higher proportion of isocyanurate linkages, which improves fire performance and thermal stability. It is widely used as the insulation core of flat roof boards and metal-faced cladding and roofing panels.

Core materialsRoofing & waterproofingConstructionIndustrial

Core material

The lightweight central layer of a sandwich construction, bonded between two thin, stiff face sheets to raise a panel's bending stiffness with minimal added weight. Common structural cores include polymer foams, honeycombs, end-grain balsa and syntactic materials, each specified by density, thickness and shear properties.

Core materialsComposites & laminatesMaterials science (general)AerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

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