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Innovations in thermoplastic polyurethanes

von Chris Lindsay, Steve Woutters, Lifeng Wu, Rafael Camargo

thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are widely employed elastomers as a consequence of their flexibility, elasticity and strength combined with good abrasion resistance and versatile melt processability. this combination of features arises from a two phase morphology in which rigid chain segments formed by the reaction of diisocyanates with short chain diols alternate with flexible chains derived from long chain oligomeric diols. However, there are limitations to the range of property and processing characteristics accessible by conventional TPU chemistries. For example, it is very difficult to manufacture soft, elastic TPUs without employing a plasticizing agent. Furthermore, the relatively high melt viscosities of TPUs can limit their application as adhesive materials. this paper describes two new technologies from Huntsman which overcome these difficulties and thus extend the application possibilities for tPUs.