Covestro is developing and marketing a new type of polyether carbonate polyol called cardyon ™, which uses carbon dioxide in its production process. Desmopan® 37385 is the first representative product of Covestro's innovative series of TPUs. The new series of TPUs contain carbon dioxide-based polyether carbonate polyols.
Compared with traditional TPU materials, the new TPU products have less carbon footprint and help close the carbon cycle. In addition, the new TPU products can also save fossil resources, and unlike many bio-based materials, the production process does not consume food.
Georg Fuchte, TPU expert at Covestro, explains: "Customers use our new TPU to reduce the carbon footprint of their products and thus lead their competitors in terms of sustainability. This is especially true for companies in the consumer goods industry, which Products usually have a shorter life. "
Excellent mechanical properties
Desmopan® 37385 has a hardness of Shore A 85. Its mechanical properties are at least comparable to traditional TPU grades with similar hardness, and even better than some of them. For example, it has a tensile strength of 36 MPa and an elongation at break of 660% (DIN 53504). Desmopan® 37385 is specifically designed for extrusion, but is also suitable for injection molding. Fuchte said, "Desmopan® 37385's application areas cover typical applications of traditional TPU grades of comparable hardness, including soles and upper components, sportswear, handles, knobs, and packaging of precision electronics."
Expand product types
Covestro plans to increase the product range of the new TPU series, which have different hardnesses. For example, the development of a TPU product with a hardness of 95 Shore A is well underway, and it can be rapidly solidified after melting. Fuchte explains: "Therefore, it is particularly important for us to target the economical production of shorter application cycles in the application areas we target."
Covestro works closely with enterprises and scientific research institutions to use carbon dioxide technology as a synthesis platform to produce large quantities of other chemical raw materials. For example, it is currently developing a new carbon dioxide-based polyol for the production of rigid polyurethane foams, which can be used in building insulation, automobiles, and sports equipment. At the facility in Domagen, Covestro already has a production facility that produces carbon dioxide-based polyols for flexible polyurethane foam. Polyurethane flexible foam is used to produce upholstered furniture and mattresses.
Other highlights of TPU at the German Plastics Processing Fair
Yarns: Covestro also showcased the latest developments in new petrochemical-based TPUs, including uniform and smooth TPUs and polyamide fibers for knitted fabrics. This fiber has a unique feel and is mainly used in the production of sports shoes. The knitted upper will look very fashionable. There are many styles of fabric decoration. Fabrics can be produced economically in a single knitting process, including automated production.
Surface structure: Through decades of efforts, the TPU products of the Desmopan® series have excellent imaging accuracy. A variety of advanced technologies can be used to create unique surface structures. Currently, Covestro is working with Zollingen's partner J. & F. Krüth to explore surface designs with infinite possibilities with the help of innovation and all-digital 3D laser engraving technology.