Thermoplastic experts at Huntsman have developed a new polyether-based polyurethane with low melt properties that is easy to process and is suitable for coating textiles by calendaring - a technique used to give fabric a smooth, glossy, hard-wearing finish.
IROGRAN® A85 P 5050 DP thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was developed to increase the range of products available to specifiers in the textile lamination industry. The product can be used to produce durable coated fabrics for inflatable boats, rafts, life preservers and safety jackets; general-purpose tarpaulin sheets; and membranes for flexi-tanks and conveyor belts.
Created from a special formula and via a unique production process, IROGRAN® A85 P 5050 DP has very good physical characteristics. Combining abrasion and tensile strength with a wide processing window, the product offers excellent rheological and morphological properties. These features can have a positive impact on production efficiencies, helping to stabilize processing, deliver a high output rate and reduce energy consumption - ultimately enabling manufacturers to save time and money.
Additional product qualities include good hydrolysis performance plus chemical and microbial resistance.
Helmut Witt, Account & Business Development Manager at Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: "We recognized some time ago that it would be beneficial to develop a TPU that could surpass existing polyether materials and be used by manufacturers in the technical textile industry that routinely need to coat fabrics for a variety of applications. Having invested in this area we are delighted with the outcome. IROGRAN® A85 P 5050 DP fits our original brief, delivering processing and property benefits that our customers can recognize and value."
IROGRAN® is a registered trademark of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries.