How are Polyurethane-Based Foams Helping the Automotive Sector Provide Better Comfort in Vehicles?

The automotive has been witnessing rapid transformation over a decade. As one of the most crucial aspects of any automotive, this integration paid its way into the comfort level of the vehicle users with the devlopmnet of polyurethane foams seats.

Currently, the use of polyurethane foams in the automotive industry is providing great benefits and helping in giving better durability to vehicle parts.

To get a better idea and understanding, we’ll discuss polyurethane foam and its benefits in the automotive sector.

Polyurethane Foam in Automotive Sector

Polyurethane is said to be the leading member of the plastic or polymers family. This material has an open cellular or solid design known as foam that can be rigid or flexible. Currently, polyurethane foam is mostly being utilized for padding car seats because of its geometric design and ease of application.

Also, the key reason for using polyurethane foam in the vehicle seats is to achieve a high comfort level and provide a better driving experience.

Some of the main features of the polyurethane-based foams driving its popularity are durability, recycled, light in weight, sound-absorbing, and shaking damping capabilities.

Get your free sample on the global polyurethane-based foams in automotive market

Use of Polyurethane Foam in Vehicles

Polyurethane foam is nearly present everywhere in vehicles today. From obscure parts to external components, polyurethane foam in a vehicle helps provide better protection and comfort from critical and unwanted elements while driving in different areas.

Internally, the use of polyurethane foam in vehicles is used for armrests, head, and car seats for durability, comfort, and protection.

Externally, polyurethane foam is used in different parts of the vehicle like bumpers, doors, windows, and spoilers. It can also be used to coat vehicles’ exteriors to get better color, glossiness, and protect windows and windshields from elements like fog.

Industry Report on Polyurethane-Based Foams in the Automotive Market

The development of polyurethane foams in the automotive sector has been taking place since the early 1950s and has gotten much more advanced with the adoption of advanced technologies in this industry.

The ecosystem of polyurethane foams in the automotive sector comprises several manufacturers such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM)s, seating manufacturers, panel manufacturers, and end users.

From the last few decades, the demand for polyurethane foams in the market is constantly increasing. The key reason for the growth of the polyurethane foams market includes:

• High demand for lightweight materials in the automotive industry
• Higher durability under several conditions
• Easy recycling options for polyurethane foams

As per BIS Research, the global polyurethane-based foams in automotive market value in 2020 was $10.71 billion and is expected to reach a value of $197.98 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.77% during the forecast period 2021–2031.

Benefits of Using Polyurethane Foams in the Automotive Sector

Polyurethane is a widely used material in the automotive sector for vehicle manufacturing. The most used polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers. It is a type of polymer that does not have any effect on heat and does not melt easily. The adoption rate of polyurethane foams has increased a lot in the last few years due to the benefits it offers.

Let’s understand the benefits of polyurethanes foams in detail.

• Polyurethanes are Lightweight

Over time, the weight of polyurethanes has been reduced by 30% to 40% while maintaining similar mechanical properties. Currently, the weight of seating foam used in the vehicles ranges from 0.03 to 0.05 g/cm3. Similarly, the polyurethane used for making headlines is another excellent example of lightweight approximately 0.02 to 0.04 g/cm3.

• Help in Reducing Vehicle Noise

The excellent vibration dampening and sound-absorbing capabilities of polyurethanes result in high safety levels and comfort.

• High Durability

Polyurethane foam is not inclined to corrosion throughout its lifetime and ensures high stability under different conditions.

• Versatile and Offer Complete Design Freedom

In the last few years, the seats of the vehicle have developed at a high pace and become much more comfortable. It has been made possible due to the adoption of polyurethanes offering several performance choices and different characteristics like durability and flexibility. Also, polyurethanes help in developing advanced shapes using simple chemicals with fewer expenses.

• Recyclable

Recycling polyurethane is done simply using a different range of advanced technologies, which enables recycling and dismantling.

Conclusion

The need for transportation is growing in the public and private sectors continuously. The adoption of polyurethane foam in the automotive sector can play a great role in reducing the negative effects on the environment and providing better comforts while reducing the actual problems.