Applications of Polyurethane Wood-Alternative Materials in Furniture
Release Date:
26-04-24
Polyurethane wood‑like materials were developed by Professor Bayer of Germany and others and were widely used in furniture decorative components in the 1960s. Today, in China’s furniture and wood‑product manufacturing, the most commonly used wood‑like materials are high‑density (0.3–0.7 g/cm³) rigid polyurethane foams or reinforced rigid polyurethane foams. These belong to the category of structural foams and exhibit high strength, excellent toughness, a dense and robust skin, simple molding processes, and high production efficiency. Their density can be lower than that of natural wood, while their tactile feel, texture, appearance, and mechanical properties closely resemble those of natural wood, making them suitable substitutes for wood in the production of various high‑grade or high‑strength carved furniture and wood products.
Polyurethane wood‑like materials were developed by Professor Bayer of Germany and others and were widely used in furniture decorative components in the 1960s. Today, in China’s furniture and wood‑product manufacturing, the most commonly used wood‑like materials are high‑density (0.3–0.7 g/cm³) rigid polyurethane foams or reinforced rigid polyurethane foams. These materials belong to the category of structural foams and exhibit high strength, excellent toughness, a dense and robust skin, simple molding processes, and high production efficiency. Their density can be lower than that of natural wood, while their tactile feel, texture, appearance, and mechanical properties closely resemble those of natural wood, making them suitable substitutes for wood in the production of various high‑grade or high‑strength carved furniture and wood products.
To compensate for the insufficient mechanical properties of polyurethane wood-like materials, various types of embedded components are typically placed within the mold; these can include wooden rods, blocks, boards, reinforcing bars, and other materials. Given the relatively high cost of polyurethane raw materials and the fact that wood-like polyurethane products only require a well-formed surface, incorporating such embedded components can significantly reduce production costs. Consequently, manufacturers of polyurethane wood-like products now strive to maximize the size and extent of these embedded elements without compromising surface quality. The resulting composite material can then serve as a structural material, providing structural support and load-bearing components for furniture and wood products, such as chair and table legs.
Of course, in addition to its excellent molding performance, polyurethane wood‑like furniture offers a distinct price advantage over traditional wooden furniture, and it is increasingly popular in developed countries and regions such as Europe and North America. In recent years, polyurethane wood‑like materials have been progressively employed in the production of decorative components, moldings, and even structural elements. Owing to their outstanding attributes—strong moldability, high strength‑to‑weight ratio, and low overall cost—these materials have earned widespread recognition in the furniture and interior‑decoration industries, prompting a growing number of companies to adopt and manufacture them. However, at present, relatively few domestic firms produce polyurethane wood‑like furniture, with only a small fraction reaching a sizable scale; most are concentrated in the coastal regions of East and South China, and their output is almost entirely destined for export. To date, according to incomplete statistics, several hundred enterprises in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta are manufacturing and using polyurethane wood‑like materials, while some firms in the Southwest region are also actively promoting their adoption. With the increasing scarcity of natural timber, rising environmental awareness, the superior performance of polyurethane, and the rapid development of the polyurethane industry, the application of polyurethane wood‑like materials in the furniture and decoration sectors will continue to expand. Consequently, polyurethane wood‑like furniture holds enormous potential for growth in the domestic market, and its rate of development within China is expected to accelerate steadily.
Keywords:
Phone
Address
No. 1, Aviation Second Road, Xinwu Development Zone, Wanzi District, Wuhu City, Anhui Province
Website