Tag: polyurethane

Compound InterestExplorations of everyday chemical compounds

The chemistry of the 2026 World Cup ball

June 12, 2026 0Comments 15Likes 15086Views

Infographic titled "The chemistry of the World Cup ball" by Compound Interest. It details the materials used in manufacturing. Polyurethane coating forms the water-resistant outer panels, synthesized from isocyanate and polyol. A nylon lining (polyamide) adds bounce and strength between the cover and bladder. The inner butyl rubber bladder retains air effectively, though latex is an alternative. — Click to enlarge

The 2026 World Cup is up and running, but not without its share of controversy. It’s setting a number of unwelcome firsts: the first time a World Cup referee has been barred from a host nation, and the first time a host nation is at war with one of the participating countries. However, some slightly more welcome firsts come in the shape of the materials science behind the World Cup ball, the Trionda.

What are the Olympics athletics tracks made of?

August 7, 2021 0Comments 4Likes 7462Views

Infographic on the materials science of athletics tracks. The 2020 Olympics use a specially designed track surface made from rubber, which returns to its original shape when it's deformed. Vulcanisation (treatment of rubber with sulfur) increases rubber's rigidity by forming crosslinks between rubber polymer chains. Rubber granules embedded in the layers form bonds with the vulcanised rubber matrix, improving elasticity and shock absorption. The texture of the track surface improves slip resistance and traction, while the honeycomb layer of the bottom layers also aids shock absorption. Other types of running track bind rubber particles with a polyurethane polymer over an asphalt base, and these track surfaces are commonly used for school and community tracks. — Click to enlarge

The 2020 Olympics may have been a bit late arriving thanks to the pandemic, but there’ve been no signs of sluggishness from athletes on the track. World records have been tumbling over the past weeks, and one factor behind this could be the technology used in the track. I worked with Jess Wade on this graphic to take a closer look at the materials science behind the track surface.