Definition of the word polyurethane

The term "polyurethane" is a compound word that consists of two parts: "poly" and "urethane". The prefix "poly" indicates that the compound contains multiple repeating units, while "urethane" refers to a class of organic compounds that result from the reaction between a carbon-nitrogen compound called isocyanate and a hydroxyl-containing compound called polyol. The history of polyurethane can be traced back to the early 1930s, when the German chemist Otto Bayer discovered that a polymer made from isocyanate and polyol demonstrated excellent mechanical and insulation properties. Bayer continued to research and develop this new material and, in 1937, he patented the first synthetic polyurethane. The term "polyurethane" was coined by a Bayer chemist named Johannes Kiessling in 1938, who combined the Greek word "poly", meaning many or several, with "urethane", derived from the chemical group urethane, which contains both carbonyl and nitrogen atoms. This new term accurately described the complex structure and multiple repeating units of the compound. Polyurethane has since become a widely used material in various industries, including the production of foam for furniture and bedding, insulation for buildings and appliances, and coatings for concrete and steel. Its versatility and durability continue to drive innovation and research in polyurethane chemistry today.