First thermoplastic polyurethane based on CO2 technology

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Under the name cardyon™, ��AV is developing and marketing new polyether carbonate polyols that are produced with the aid of carbon dioxide (CO₂). With Desmopan^® 37385A the company now offers the first representative of a new series of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) containing polyether carbonate polyols based on CO₂ technology.

Compared to conventional TPU materials, the new TPU products leave a lower carbon footprint and help close the carbon cycle. They also conserve fossil resources and, unlike many bio-based materials, do not compete with food production.

“With the new TPU, our customers can reduce the carbon footprint of their products and as a result play a pioneering role in sustainability vis-à-vis their competitors,” explains Georg Fuchte, TPU expert at ��AV. “This is especially true for companies in the consumer goods industry, which often manufacture products with a short lifespan.”

Excellent mechanical properties
Desmopan^® 37385A has a hardness of 85 Shore A. Its mechanical properties are at least at the level of conventional TPU grades of similar hardness, and even exceed some of them. For example, it has a tensile strength of 36 megapascals. The elongation at break reaches 660 percent (DIN 53504). The plastic is designed for extrusion, but is also suitable for injection molding. “The application spectrum covers typical applications of conventional TPU grades with comparable hardness and ranges from soles and upper shoe components to sportswear, handles and knobs to packaging for sensitive electronics,” says Fuchte.

Different product variants
��AV plans to expand the new TPU series with variants of different hardness. A product with a hardness of 95 Shore A, for example, whose melt cures rapidly during processing, is well advanced in development. “We are thus targeting applications in which economic production in short cycle times is particularly important,” explains Fuchte.

��AV cooperates closely with companies and research institutions to use CO₂ technology as a synthesis platform for other large-scale chemical raw materials. For example, work is underway on new CO₂-based polyols for rigid polyurethane foams that could be used, for example, in the thermal insulation of buildings, in automobiles and in sports equipment. At the Dormagen plant, ��AV already operates a production plant that produces CO₂-based polyols for flexible polyurethane foams. The latter are used in the commercial production of upholstered furniture and mattresses.

More TPU highlights at Fakuma
Yarn: ��AV is also showing innovative TPU developments on a petrochemical basis. These include uniform and glossy TPU and polyamide fibers for knitted fabrics. The fibers have a unique feel and are mainly used in sports shoes, where the use of knitted uppers is very fashionable. There are many possible decorative variations. The fabrics can be produced economically in a single knitting process, including automated production.

Surface structure: The outstanding imaging accuracy of TPU products of the Desmopan^® series has been established for decades. Unique surface structures can be created by using different technologies. ��AV is currently working together with its partner J. & F. Krüth in Solingen to open up almost unlimited possibilities for surface design with the help of innovative and fully digital 3D laser engraving.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

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Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Innovative plastics for future trends

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

At the Fakuma 2018 trade show for plastics processing from 16 to 20 October in Friedrichshafen, ��AV will be presenting a whole spectrum of innovative and sustainable plastics solutions for various industries. The products and technologies provide answers to trends such as future mobility, progressive digitalization, 3D printing and energy-efficient lighting.

One important topic at the company's stand, number 4206 in Hall B4, will be robust, lightweight and aesthetic fiber composites for energy- and resource-saving applications. Other key areas are flame-retardant battery housings for electric mobility or transparent and/or light-diffusing polycarbonates for energy-efficient LED lighting technology.

The worldwide demand for particularly robust and lightweight materials is increasing. ��AV meets these requirements with continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) from the new brand Maezio™ and also provides a cost-effective and scalable manufacturing solution for bulk products.

Polycarbonate blends for electric drives
A current development focus at ��AV is focused on new drive technologies such as electric mobility. Materials used to encapsulate lithium-ion batteries must be highly dimensionally stable in order to be able to position a large number of battery cells precisely and closely. Depending on the design principle of the batteries, the material must also be flame-retardant. Various polycarbonate blends are very well suited for this purpose. At Fakuma, the company will showcase such a battery module for home storage.

Another special exhibit will be a complex-shaped shock absorber. It was manufactured using the three leading 3D printing technologies, and is made from filament, powder and liquid resin. Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyurethane resin from ��AV were used here.

��AV will also be presenting various light-guiding and light-diffusing polycarbonates including films, as well as a highly heat-conducting type for cooling energy-saving LED light fixtures. In addition, film developments will be presented for novel front and rear solutions, as well as for the automotive interior.

Digital offers for customers
Progressive digitalization in the plastics industry should lift research and development, production, supply chains, sustainability projects and customer contacts to a new level and ultimately contribute to increased business success. ��AV uses a full range of digital channels and services, including product finders and electronic trading platforms, for its customer contacts. Visitors to the ��AV stand can try out various options.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

����AV Press

First thermoplastic polyurethane based on CO2 technology

Innovative plastics for future trends

��AV Press