Polyester polyols are categorized into general polyesters, polycaprolactones, and polycarbonates. Due to the ready availability and low cost of their raw materials, general polyesters are widely used in polyurethane synthesis. Based on the type of polyacid employed, general polyesters are further classified into aliphatic polyesters, aromatic polyesters, and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters.
Polyester polyols offer excellent heat, abrasion, and oil resistance, as well as high mechanical strength; consequently, polyester-based polyurethane products are widely used in applications such as synthetic leather and rubber.