Polyurethanes in Theory and Practice – Guest Lecture by PhD Miķelis Kirpļuks at the University of Latvia
On 17 March, Leading Researcher at the LSIWC Polymer Laboratory, PhD Miķelis Kirpļuks, visited the University of Latvia at the invitation of Assoc. Prof. Ingars Reinholds to deliver a lecture on polyurethane (PU) materials.
The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of polyurethane chemistry, with particular focus on PU foams—their structure–property relationships and applications in construction, automotive engineering, and energy-efficient thermal insulation solutions. It covered the reaction mechanisms of isocyanates and polyols, the significance of the NCO index, the use of various polyols (including bio-based and those derived from PET recycling), as well as key technological parameters and mechanical properties.
The lecture attracted strong student interest and sparked engaging discussions.
