Aug 16 2007
The Dow Chemical Company today introduced a new calendaring-grade of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers to be commercialized under the PELLETHANE™ brand. The new elastomer can offer performance and processing advantages for a wide array of demanding applications including fabrics, non-wovens and industrial products such as conveyor belts and sewer liners.
A method often used for coatings applications, calendaring allows resin to be placed directly onto fabrics. Specifically engineered for this technique, the new TPU elastomer is easily processed and produces excellent adhesion and chemical resistance.
“Dow developed the new calendaring-grade to help address unmet market needs for high-quality elastomer products for the calendaring process,” said Mike Szabo, Dow's product director for PELLETHANE & ISOPLAST™ thermoplastic polyurethanes. “By working hand-in-hand with customers, Dow continues to identify solutions, like the calendaring-grade TPU elastomer, and leverage its material science expertise to develop products with high performance and exceptional physical properties.”
With a combination of clarity, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, chemical resistance and excellent processability, Dow’s PELLETHANE TPU elastomers are a material of choice for a wide range of demanding applications. In addition to calendaring, these TPU products can be fabricated by a variety of methods including injection molding, extrusion and blow molding.
“Dow used its material-science expertise to take an extremely high-quality, versatile material and make it processable via calendaring,” said Szabo. “Since PELLETHANE™ TPU elastomers are manufactured at Dow’s world-class manufacturing facilities, the new elastomers will consistently deliver the excellent consistency and resin quality customers have come to expect from Dow.”
PELLETHANE TPU elastomers are among many innovative products that underscore Dow’s strategy to strengthen its Performance business portfolio by prioritizing technology and solutions. Sample test quantities are available to customers.