Polyols are substances, usually liquid, derived from oil, and mixed with isocyanates to make polyurethane. It is light, rigid and glossy. It is used to make products such as washing machine agitators, clear film packaging, carpet fibres and housewares. It is cheap and easy to mould, and is made into refrigerator and washing machine components. It can be foamed to make single use packaging, such as cups, meat and produce trays.
Polyurethane is made during the reaction of an isocyanate and one or more polyols.
It can be made into flexible or rigid foam and solid forms. The foams are good insulators, and used for products such as building insulation, car seats and furniture. Propane gas is a gas derived from oil. Propylene is derived from oil, and is one of the main raw materials for polypropylene. It can be clear, flexible or rigid, and is made into produts including fruit juice bottles, credit cards, pipes and hoses.