BASF expanded TPU makes finalist list for innovation award

Al Greenwood

23-Sep-2014

BASF expanded TPU makes finalist list for innovation awardInterview story by Al Greenwood

GRAPEVINE, Texas (ICIS)–BASF’s expanded thermoplastic polyurethane − the world’s first − produces a foam that maintains its elasticity at a wide range of temperatures, an executive with the company said on Tuesday.

The material, Infinergy, is among the three finalists for the Polyurethane Innovation Award, awarded during the Polyurethanes Technical Conference.

Infinergy’s intended use is in the soles of running shoes, said Frank Prissok, senior manager, global polyurethanes specialties research, new businesses for BASF. He was speaking on the sidelines of the conference, held by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry of the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

Currently, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is used in soles because it provides bounce while still being light weight, Prissok said.

EVA has a density of about 200g/litre, lighter than the typical polyurethane, which is 300-400g/litre, Prissok said.

Infinergy has about the same density as EVA, he said. However, Infinergy maintains its properties at a range of -20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.

EVA becomes too stiff when it is cold and too soft when it is hot, Prissok said. Those changes alter how the sole’s rebound and energy return.

Infinergy itself is produced like a particle foam, he said. It is soft closed-cell, light weight and elastic.

In addition to Infinergy, Dow Chemical’s Teraforce polyurethane is another finalist. It is used to produce Preferred Sands’s RCS proppant.

Novomer developed Converge, a polyol made from carbon dioxide (CO2).

The Polyurethanes Technical Conference lasts through Wednesday, when the winner of the innovation award will be announced.

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