What are the major differences between polyurea and polyurethane?

Polyurea and polyurethane differ in curing speed, chemical structure, moisture sensitivity, UV stability, and performance under extreme conditions.

What is the chemical structure of polyurethane and polyurea?

Polyurethane results from the reaction of a polyol with an isocyanate, while polyurea forms from a reaction between a diamine and a diisocyanate, creating a 'urea' linkage.

Is polyurea always the better choice over polyurethane?

Polyurea has advantages but isn't always the best choice; project specifications and budget should be considered. Each coating type has unique applications.

Polyurea vs. Polyurethane:

How To Choose Between Two High-Performance Coatings

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
POLYUREA & POLYURETHANE?

Polyurea and polyurethane are two of the toughest and most versatile coating materials available on the market. Their names reflect their similar chemistry, which afford both materials with robust physical properties that see them used in similar or even the same applications. However, their differences remain, with each material having its own set of physical properties and performance characteristics that make them more or less suited for different projects and purposes. Deciding between the two technologies first requires an understanding of what they are, and what makes them different.

BREAKING DOWN THEIR DIFFERENCES

The differences between polyurea and polyurethane can seem subtle, but in the world of industrial coatings, these differences constitute two separate and unique material technologies with distinctly different performance capabilities and characteristics. There are four key differences between the two coating materials:

CURING SPEED

Perhaps the first and most well-known difference between polyurea and polyurethane is the difference between their curing speeds. Polyurea is famous for its rapid cure time, which sets within seconds and cures in as little as a few minutes. While this speed means minimal downtime and a quicker return to service, it can also be punishing, as this also makes polyurea more susceptible to application mistakes compared to polyurethane. This means that there is only minutes to identify and resolve any application errors or inadequacies. In contrast, polyurethane offers a more forgiving timeline, but this slower rate of curing means a prolonged installation that may require up to several days before being ready for use. For projects where speed is the utmost priority, choose polyurea.

Chemical structure

The similar names of polyurea and polyurethane reflect their related chemical structures. Polyurea is formed by the reaction between a diamine and a diisocyanate, which forms a chemical linkage known as “urea” that affords polyurea with exceptional toughness. In fact, polyurea has become known as one of the strongest and most durable coatings currently available on the market. In contrast, polyurethane is produced by reacting a polyol with an isocyanate in the presence of a catalyst to form a more flexible material that’s better for lower stress environments. While some projects may prioritize polyurethane’s flexibility, its use of a catalyst during application makes polyurethane more expensive and technically challenging, as well as less sustainable than polyurea. Moreover, depending on the formulation, polyurea can also be made UV resistant, more suitable for outdoor use compared to polyurethane which is highly susceptible to UV degradation, and is better suited for indoor installations. The chemical structures of both materials offer unique benefits and disadvantages, affording unique capabilities to each technology.

moisture sensitivity

Protective coatings are often used in wet or high moisture environments, and are even sometimes used to create waterproof and watertight barriers. To this end, polyurea is a clear winner, as it’s able to cure in high humidity without losing its integrity, unlike polyurethane which requires a dry setting for proper adherence. Application aside, both materials can form watertight seals, and resist the effects of groundwater, rainwater, or high moisture environments. To this end, polyurea remains the winner, and forms a more durable, longer lasting waterproof shield, compared to the more porous polyurethane.

UV stability

Protective coatings are as widely used in outdoor applications as they are indoors, which means they must be capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Between polyurea and polyurethane, polyurea exhibits superior UV resistance. Polyurethane is highly vulnerable to UV degradation, whereas one of two main types of polyurea called “aliphatic polyurea” can maintain its structure and prevent discoloration in even the harshest UV environments. For the best UV protection and stability, choose polyurea.

SO WHICH IS BETTER
polyurea or polyurethane?

The choice between polyurea and polyurethane can be far from obvious, and ultimately depends on specific project requirements and limitations. Polyurea coatings are far newer and less established compared to polyurethane, but have already taken their place as one of the coatings industry’s most widely used and high performing coating technologies. However, that doesn’t mean polyurea is the right choice for every coatings project. Polyurethane offers superior flexibility, and is better suited for applications where voluminous spray foam is better suited than thin layers of denser material. So while we can’t crown a winner for every project, both materials offer a safe, durable, and cost-effective means of protecting structures and surfaces.

FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Polyurea Better Than Polyurethane?

In general, polyurea is considered a better coating technology than polyurethane because of its higher moisture resistance, greater UV stability, and faster cure times. However, the best type of protective coating depends on the specific application, which may vary in terms of operating conditions, environmental factors, cost constraints, and more.

What Is The Difference Between Polyurea and Polyurethane?

Polyurea and polyurethane are chemically similar, but their different chemical structures result in several key differences in their physical properties. Polyurea is known for its toughness, and is a harder, more durable material than polyurethane, most often used in commercial or industrial applications. Polyurethane is softer and more flexible, and can be applied as a spray foam for home insulation or noise mitigation systems.

Polyurea Or Polyurethane?

The choice between polyurea and polyurethane depends on each project’s unique requirements and limitations. If you’re looking for the toughest and most durable coating material for protecting a variety of surfaces, polyurea is the best choice. If you’re looking for home insulation, a convenient sealant, or an effective soundproofing solution, polyurethane is your best bet.

FIND OR BECOME AN APPLICATOR

If you’re ready for your next coatings project, or want to start a new career in the protective coatings industry, ArmorThane is here to help. We’re your one-stop-shop for everything polyurea and polyurethane, and as full-service operators, we have all the tools and experience you need to finish any application with ease or to get you started on your new business. Our in-house application team and global network of certified ArmorThane applicators are ready to tackle any challenge, and have yet to find a problem they couldn’t solve. For those ready to make a change, with only a small investment, we offer the best and most cost-effective startup packages to help you get a jumpstart as a new professional applicator. We provide all of the materials, equipment, training, and support needed to go from an industry outsider, to a certified professional with a growing customer base. To begin your journey or learn more about ArmorThane and our suite of polyurea and polyurethane products and services, contact us today! Our 24/7 technical support and customer service teams are always ready to help, making you one call away from partnering with the best in the industry.

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