look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

Polyurethane Shimmers, Shines, and Stands Out from the Crowd

Why wear just any dress when you can wear one that illuminates? Covestro’s latest invention will shimmer and sparkle at the K2016 Plastics Trade Fair – quite literally. A new, flexible and formable thermoplastic polyurethane is bringing together innovation and fashion to create cutting-edge, smart clothing.

Typically, LED-emitting electronic systems were positioned on panels or strips instead of directly on fabrics. However, Covestro discovered a way for copper to be laminated onto polyurethane films which – because of the incredible properties of polyurethane, could then be laminated directly onto fabrics! This technology offers greater design flexibility and...

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Polyurethane Heads Back to School and On to the Track

School officials in Challis, Idaho, are getting a head start in their district this year by installing a new, all-weather track that includes polyurethane. The students of Challis High School will soon experience a rubberized and durable track this upcoming school year thanks to polyurethane!

When school officials decided to change the existing outdoor track since it did not meet state standards, they chose one with polyurethane as the right and best investment. Looking for a durable track that would require little maintenance, school officials began phase one of constructing the polyurethane surface.

An additional polyurethane structural spray...

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The Spandex Factor

Once scientists realized polyurethane could be spun into fine threads, it wasn’t long before continued innovations led to the creation of spandex fibers. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, spandex is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% of segmented polyurethane.

Polyurethane fibers are often characterized by their durability and flexibility. With exceptional stretch and recovery properties, polyurethane fibers can be found in a variety of textile applications ranging from apparel to healthcare.

Whether you’re suiting up for a run— or bandaging a scraped knee from that run —polyurethane will continue to be there for...

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Buckle Up the Kids, and Polyurethane, for a Trip to the Beach

A family vacation to the beach is incomplete without polyurethane. Here’s how polyurethane can improve your trip to the beach this summer:

You put down a beach towel or mat to avoid getting sandy. Thanks to specially woven polyurethane, a sandless beach mat will save you from being covered in sand. If any sand falls on the mat, it simply filters through. That’s pretty incredible!

Originally made from plywood, skim boards are now lightweight and more durable because of polyurethane foam cores. Weighing in at around 3 lbs. —compared to 20 lbs....

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Polyurethane Embarks on the High Seas

High-tech sailing takes on new waters! Evonik, a specialty chemical company, has joined forces with German-Danish sailing duo Team Gaebler to build the first SpeedFoiler catamaran. This state-of-the-art catamaran will almost fly over the water thanks to a revolutionary design and lightweight materials.   Their partnership with Evonik resulted in an exceptional catamaran, the SpeedFoiler, which is ultra-lightweight with the help of polyurethane materials.

Polyurethane properties are so flexible and versatile, they allow for quicker production times in the stages of applying binders and laminates. So not only are the boats speedy to drive – they’re...

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European Football’s Featured Player: Polyurethane

Have you experienced the exciting energy of a European football game, also commonly known as a soccer game in the United States? The UEFA European Championship, happening now in France through July 10, exemplifies the essence of the beautiful game and its official match ball.

Materials supplier Covestro and sports goods manufacturer Adidas teamed up to develop the European Championship ball and made sure this game ball was as durable as it was beautiful—which means polyurethane was a key player in this process! The creation of this year’s ball marks the 30^th anniversary of Covestro’s and Adidas’ collaboration on ball...

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Grip the Mat with Polyurethane

Namaste and happy National Yoga Day! Time to unwind your mind and unroll your mat. Have you ever wondered how you can maintain a good grip on your yoga mat through all those poses? Wonder no more, and give thanks to polyurethane in your meditation today.

Most yoga mats have a polyurethane coating, which protects the surface from slippery interruptions to your vinyasa flow. Its durable components prevent wear and tear during even your most intense practices.

Plus, all of your favorite yoga clothes that stay cool through 100 degree bikram classes are likely made of fabric with...

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The Big Game

On Sunday, February 7th, we will all crowd around the television with our loved ones to cheer on our favorite teams in the biggest football game of the year.

Polyurethane gets in on the game action as well – by creating soles that are long lasting and practical, it is a big component of most football cleats.

Polyurethane is also found inside most? [or is it really all?] helmets, adding a layer of protection for the hard hits – proven to reduce the pain from a hit by up to 33%.

And let’s not forget the reason most...

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Gear up for Winter Sports with Polyurethane

Whether hiking, climbing or snowboarding, polyurethane is there for many extreme winter sports needs.

When combined with nylon, polyurethane makes a lightweight, flexible, durable, and soft material.  It conforms to your body while you’re speeding down a hill or climbing up a mountain.

Polyurethane is infused in the winter jackets that keep you warm, typically without all the heavy constrictive bulk of a regular jacket!  The polyurethane helps make the jacket lightweight so you can catch come major air without being weighed down.

Polyurethane also helps keep you dry in the rain and in the snow.  Polyurethane’s revolutionary water resistant...

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