Written on 22.05.2014 - Technology
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Novomer announces commercial launch of Converge PPC polyols

Novomer Inc. in Waltham, MA, USA, has announced the commercial introduction of Converge polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polyols for use in polyurethane formulations targeted at adhesives, coatings, sealants, elastomers, as well as rigid and flexible foams. The company’s initial product offerings – 1000 and 2000 molecular weight grades – are manufactured at a multi-thousand-tonne commercial-scale toll facility in Houston, TX, USA.

“This product introduction is a significant milestone in the commercial development of this breakthrough technology,” said Peter Shepard, Chief Business Officer for Novomer Inc. “Our successful scale-up and product launch validates the robustness of our manufacturing technology and the strong interest we’ve received from a wide range of applications in the polyurethanes market.”

According to Novomer, the Converge tradename was selected because these polyols represent the unique convergence of performance, costs, and sustainability. The new polyols are designed to replace conventional petroleum-based polyether, polyester, and polycarbonate polyols. They are based on the co-polymerisation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and epoxides and the resulting products contain more than 40 % by weight CO₂. The use of waste CO₂ as a raw material yields a product with a very low carbon footprint. In addition, since waste CO₂ is significantly lower in cost than conventional petroleum-based raw materials, Converge polyol manufacturing costs are favourable compared to conventional polyols when produced at full commercial scale, says Novomer.

In terms of performance, Converge polyols have a unique polycarbonate backbone, which is said to increase the strength and durability of polyurethane products. Incorporating these new polyols into existing formulations yields foams with higher tensile and tear strength, and increased load bearing capacity; adhesives and coatings with improved adhesion, cohesive strength, and weatherability; and elastomers with greater tensile and flexural strength, says Novomer.

In addition, the high CO₂ content enabled by Novomer's proprietary technology produces polyols with a calorific content (heat of combustion) that is 40 – 50 % lower than conventional polyether, polyester, and polycarbonate polyols. This inherent feature is especially important in polyurethane applications that must meet strict flammability requirements.

The new Converge polyols are available globally. So far, the materials have found successful commercial use primarily in CASE applications. Novomer continues to work closely with several major companies on new applications for various segments of the polyurethanes industry.