Polyurethane in the World of Exercise

Have you ever wondered what sports equipment is made out of and which materials provide the most benefits in the sporting world? Polyurethane foam is an essential element of the fitness industry that benefits athletes every day. Polyurethane is a member of a wide range of plastics and polymers. It can be solid or have an open cellular structure depending on how it is produced. If it resembles the latter then polyurethane will be foam. However, it’s worth noting that foam can still be either flexible or rigid.

PU foam is made by a wide variety of different companies including us here at Rojac. PU foam provides a lot of key benefits. For instance, it is versatile and lightweight while also remaining highly cost-effective. Let’s explore some of this material's key roles in the fitness world and why it can be so beneficial.

PU foam can also be used in both helmets and safety mats. Helmets that are used for cycling will typically consist of two main components.

There will be a harder outer shell and an inner layer that absorbs energy, reducing the impact of a hard knock. PU foam can be used to both cushion and absorb the energy so that the impact of the knock is greatly reduced. This is particularly important in contact sports such as American football where protective helmets are used. It’s also interesting to note that the properties of the PU foam can be adjusted to create the desired effect.

This foam is also commonly used in safety equipment such as mats, which are needed for various sports, including gymnastics and martial arts. PU foam can typically be found in mats for high jumping and pole vaulting to ensure that individuals are protected from impact.

Polyurethane can also be used to create dumbbells and similar sports equipment. For this purpose, the material acts as another form of rubber with different chemical properties.

The main difference between rubber and polyurethane is their soft or hard qualities. Usually, it will be harder than rubber. As such, it’s better for engraving and more resistant to issues with degradation. This makes it perfect for dumbbells.