URBANREC

LEVERKUSEN, Germany—Covestro A.G. has developed a sustainable cast elastomer system for the offshore industry, enabling the sector to reduce its environmental impact and carbon footprint.

Based on CO2-driven cardyon-branded polyols, the Desmodur polyurethane elastomer system offers a similar performance compared to petrochemical-based elastomers, Covestro said in a Nov. 26 statement.

Covestro said Dutch molding company Polarttech successfully used the elastomer system to produce sustainable parts for the offshore wind power industry.

The parts show "very good hydrolysis resistance" for offshore application, and are "more durable than other elastomers such as rubber," Covestro said.

The polyurethane system also delivers high-performance elastomers with "even better mechanical properties" such as tensile strength and tear resistance compared to conventional cast polyurethane systems made from fossil feedstock, it said.

"The use of CO2 in chemical raw materials is a ground-breaking innovation that is in perfect harmony with our vision of recycling," said Thomas Braig, head of Covestro elastomers. "What is important to us, of course, is a successful application in practical use."

Arthur Brouwers, CTO of Polarttech, said the newly developed solution "surpasses Polarttech's previous system in terms of resilience and abrasion resistance."

Moreover, its processing is helped by a long pot life and detaching properties when the part is demolded, Brouwers added.

Covestro has developed a technology to produce polyurethane precursors from carbon dioxide in a proportion of up to 20 percent by weight. The cardyon-branded polyols have previously been used in the production of mattress and upholstery foams, elastic textiles and in special sports adhesive applications.

» Publication Date: 01/12/2020

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