Polyurethanes/Elastomers
Polyurethanes/Elastomers Biobased prepolymer for PU elastomers Specialty chemicals company LANXESS (Cologne, Germany) has developed a new range of methylene di-para-phenylene isocyanate (MDI) polyether prepolymers containing renewable, biobased raw materials. Marketed under the brand name Adiprene Green, the products are suitable as replacement for existing fossil based polyether prepolymers to manufacture highly durable polyurethane (PU) elastomers. The overall objective to develop Adiprene Green was to create a range of biobased prepolymers which allow the PU processor to produce components with a reduced CO 2 footprint. Depending on the system, a reduction of CO 2 between 20 to 30 % is possible compared to fossil-based prepolymers due to the use of polyether polyols based on starch. The share of biobased raw materials varies between 30 to 90 % dependent on the targeted system hardness. At the same time the existing PU processing capabilities would remain applicable and the properties of the final polyurethane elastomer would be similar to established elastomers based on fossil based polyether or even better. Dr. Markus Eckert, head of the Lanxess Urethane Systems business unit, says: “At Lanxess, we have a clear sustainability strategy. With the goal to be climate neutral until 2040, we are building on our established and successful commitment to climate protection. The first major projects have already been launched. By using our new Adiprene Green products, customers can benefit from our journey to climate neutrality.” Adiprene Green prepolymers are easy to handle – they are processed in an identical manner to conventional prepolymers. No modifications to material handling, process temperatures or mixing ratios are necessary. In addition, the reactivity profile and demolding times are similar to fossil based polyether prepolymers. When reacted with 1,4 butanediol, a range of PU elastomers with a hardness from 40 Shore A to 60 Shore D can be achieved. As the PU system is versatile, Adiprene Green can be hand-mixed or machine mixed. Moreover, the prepolymers can be processed with Vibracat catalysts from Lanxess. Products of the Adiprene Green line are well suited for demanding applications such as roll covers, wheels, press sleeves or non-pneumatic tires. 1,4 butanediol as also available as partly or fully biobased bio-BDO (cf bM 04/2020). MT www.lanxess.com 34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/20] Vol. 15
PU / Elastomer News Expanded TPV portfolio Eco-Friendly polyols product line Emery Oleochemicals (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA), a world leading, natural–based specialty chemicals manufacturer, recently announced the release of its new EMEROX ® Ester Plasticizer product line. As part of Emery’s Eco-Friendly Polyols business portfolio, Emerox Ester Plasticizers offer low viscosity, low water solubility, excellent low temperature performance, and have excellent thermal stability. These esters are designed to work with hydrophobic polyols for a broad range of applications to modify the cured systems properties and reduce system viscosity and system cost. In addition to improving the performance of your formulated polyurethane, Emerox Ester Plasticizers have high bio-based content to help customers achieve their sustainability objectives. The chemistry for these products begins with oleic acid, which is derived from multiple different natural oils and fats. Unfortunately any further details are proprietary for Emery Oleochemicals. MOCOM (Hamburg, Germany), one of the world’s leading compounders of thermoplastic polymers and a former division of ALBIS, is expanding its extensive TPV portfolio with a new ECO product line. The TPV (PP+EPDM) grades grouped under the name Alfater XL ® ECO are based on high-quality postindustrial recyclates and/or renewable raw materials, and offer a resource-saving solution for flexible technical applications. “Sustainability plays a vital role in our commercial success as part of the long-term growth strategy of the Otto Krahn Group. This strategy is being rigorously implemented and continued with Alfater XL Eco,” says Stefan Zepnik, Director of the Mocom Technical Service Center. Alfater XL Eco is available in various Shore hardnesses (soft to hard) and can be processed with all standard techniques, including injection molding, extrusion, extrusion blow molding, and press blow molding (Ossberger process). The materials combine sustainability with the familiar TPV properties, such as a low compression set even at high temperatures and good heat aging resistance. In addition, Alfater XL Eco demonstrates excellent bonding to polyolefins, such as PE and PP, and to elastomers, such as TPV or TPO, in accordance with VDI 2019. The new grades are suitable for the manufacture of automotive components, including under-the-hood or exterior parts. Sample applications include boots, air ducts, bushings, grommets, plugs, and sheaths. Further potential applications can be found in a diverse range of industries, for example in profiles, seals, casters, dampers and protectors, grips, and soft-touch applications. MT www.mocom.eu The Eco-Friendly Polyols business showcased its Emerox Ester Plasticizers at the Coatings Trends & Technology 2020 virtual event on September 8-11. Emerox Polyols provide formulators and end-users in the polyurethane industry with economical solutions that offer enhanced performance properties and easily integrate to improve formulations. Many of the Emerox Polyols are also certified under the USDA BioPreferred ® Program and contain high bio-based content (50-99%) to help our customers achieve their sustainability objectives. They are excellent raw materials for use in the manufacture of a broad range of end products and applications including flexible foam, rigid foam, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers To learn about Emery Oleochemicals’ comprehensive portfolio of Emerox Polyol grades that address a broad range of flexible foam, rigid foam and CASE industry application requirements, visit their website. MT www.emeryoleo.com/polyols bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/20] Vol. 15 35
