The world's first runway built with BASF's special specification Infinergy® SP foamed thermoplastics polyurethane (E-TPU) was recently completed at Shanghai American School (SAS), bringing students a safer and more comfortable sports experience. The full polyurethane structure of the track is certified by the International Athletics Federation (IAAF) to help students improve their athletic performance in a safe environment.
The runway was jointly developed by BASF and Dubaicheng Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd. (Dubaicheng), and SAS became the first school to use BASF's Infinergy SP material for runway construction. Steve Doleman, director of events at Shanghai American School, said: "Thanks to the excellent cushioning properties of E-TPU particles, the new track can provide a safer sports experience for our students and help reduce the risk of sports injuries.
The runway structure has excellent tensile strength and elongation, and includes a polyurethane layer filled with Infinergy SP, which absorbs impact well.
BASF Infinergy SP combines the advantages of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with ordinary foam. Its closed-cell granular foam has extremely low water absorption, making it particularly suitable for sports venues.
Bao Leiwei, senior vice president of Asia Pacific for BASF's Performance Materials Division, said: "We will continue to promote quality control projects across the value chain of the industry together with Dubai City, Shanghai Chemical Building Materials Industry Association and Shanghai Building Research Institute (Group) Co. Create safer athletic tracks for campuses across the country. "
In the past two years, BASF and Dubai City have cooperated with dozens of schools in China to build sports and playground flooring projects using BASF's all-polyurethane. The world's first certified all-polyurethane structure runway is a milestone for BASF's cooperation with Dubai City and will become the benchmark for the Chinese sports flooring industry.