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BASF says its Elastollan 1400 ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) series provides exceptional hydrolysis and microbe resistance. It is said to combine stable processing behavior with good compression set properties to deliver outstanding burst pressure performance, and can be processed by extrusion and injection molding. Applications for the new grades range from railway pads, hoses and profiles to shoe soles due to the grades’ aging stability which is said to provide reliability and long-lasting performance. For the footwear industry, superior wet slip resistance is a key benefit, ensuring enhanced safety and comfort.

After more than two years of research, experimental grades for specific applications and processing technologies are available for sampling. The advanced material technology of Elastollan 1400 series offers a lower carbon footprint when compared to TPU grades with a comparable performance. According to BASF, this is only one aspect when it comes to sustainable solutions. Mass-balanced Elastollan, bio-based feedstock and recycled content will help to reduce the carbon footprint of future products even more and, at the same time, maintain the properties and quality criteria of conventionally produced TPU.