Polyurethanes were first discovered in the early 20th century by German chemist, Werner von Siemens. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that polyurethanes began to be developed and commercialized as a class of polymers. Since then, polyurethanes have become an essential material in a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, furniture, and textiles.

The Polyurethane Handbook by Gunter Oertel is widely available in PDF format, making it easily accessible to readers. Several online platforms and bookstores offer the PDF version of the book, including: