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Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers
Polyurethane Foam Insulated Tires Contribute to a Quieter Ride
If you think about it, your car tire acts as a drum for road noises. The rubber absorbs a bump in the road, the same way the head of a drum absorbs a tap from a drumstick. The hollowness of the tire acts just like the cavity of a drum — allowing the noise to amplify and reverberate.
Polyurethane Foam Noise Canceling Insulation
Tire manufacturers have long been working to reduce road noise. One area where they’ve been successful is with the inclusion of noise-reducing polyurethane foam inside a tire liner on the opposite side of the tire’s tread. The...
A Young Research Scientist Follows His Curiosity and Develops a Passion for Helping Others
As a shy kid, Zhihao Chen says science — and chemistry in particular — played a massive role in helping him find his self-confidence by stoking his curiosity. Today, Zhihao, 31, works as a research scientist at ICL-IP Americas — where he leads efforts to create new and innovative forms of flame-retardant materials.
TPU Hydration Packs Help Hikers Stay Hydrated This Season
This season, as the air gets warmer, you may find yourself reaching for a hike-friendly hydration pack made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). As temperatures start to rise, these containers offer a hassle-free way for parched hikers to stay hydrated as they slide into a custom-made backpack.
The Merits of a TPU Hydration Pack
TPU is a lightweight, stretchy and durable material favored by many hikers. It stands up to the rigors of life on the trail. Yet, a hydration pack made out of TPU softly conforms to the contours of the wearer’s back, providing a seamless custom fit.
Great for...
Introducing the World’s First Thermoplastic Polyurethane Made from Consumer Plastic Waste
Creativity is a hallmark of the plastics industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the possibilities of making familiar products better, more durable and sustainable, innovators are hard at work extending the useful life of materials.
Today, Novoloop, a California-based company, is helping bring us one step closer to closing the loop on the “circular economy” with the creation of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) made from plastic waste. The circular economy is a concept that drives the creation of new materials from old materials—sometimes more than once.
Making TPU from Old Plastic Packaging
Novoloop takes old plastic packaging, like grocery bags,...
A Young Technical Specialist Works and Studies for a Bright Future
At age 30, Joshua Compeau is busy, working full time, while also pursuing a master’s degree to help him excel on his current path as a technical specialist at BASF. He’s been with the company since his days as an undergraduate intern, working in rigid urethanes — polyurethanes that take on a rigid form and are often used for insulation for buildings and appliances.
A Polyurethane Hose Can Help Enhance Your Garden
Frequent readers of this blog know that polyurethane is a familiar sight in your family’s garden. But did you also know your garden hose — the one object perhaps most vital to maintaining a successful yard — can be made up polyurethane as well? The humble hose has gone through many iterations since it was first invented nearly 400 years ago. Over the centuries, the material used to manufacture hoses has gone from stitched leather and canvas to today’s more modern polyurethane or rubber offerings. For all the competing materials that exist, a polyurethane garden hose remains a great option for...
Recyclable Polyurethane Sportswear Helps Close the Loop on the Circular Economy
From ski poles to ski jackets and pants and even to the skis and snow boards themselves, frequent readers of this blog know that polyurethane plays a big role in helping athletes maneuver slopes during winter months. With consumer demand growing for products that help close the loop on the circular economy, companies that make goods using polyurethane are now creating new products from the polyurethane found in old sportswear.
Creating Recycled TPU Filament for 3D Printing
One company tackling the problem of what to do with old ski boots is CREAMELT®, a Switzerland-based developer and 3D printing filament manufacturer. The company...
Specialized Polyurethane Coolers Aid in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
The rollout of several new vaccines in the fight against the coronavirus gives hope that an end to the pandemic may be in sight. However, distribution of some these new vaccines presents a challenge for manufacturers and medical personnel, as some doses must be stored at frigid temperatures to preserve their efficacy. To help the vaccines stay cool as they reach patients, polyurethane is playing an important role in assisting medical personnel in maintaining the viability of these life-saving inoculations.
Polyurethane as an Insulator
Frequent readers of this blog know that polyurethane is an effective and customizable insulator. The ease...
A Young Marketing Manager Goes Online to Find and Support Customers
Name: Erica LeeAge: 32Title: Sales Channel and Digitalization ManagerCompany: Evonik CorporationEducational Background: B.A. Political Science, National Chengchi UniversityM.B.A. Management, Purdue University
Informing consumers about the value of polyurethane is a complex task. From the cars we drive to our mattresses to the carpet underlay under our feet, polyurethane touches our everyday lives in many ways. But, how do you get the word out in an increasingly digital world — made even more remote now amid a global pandemic? That’s the problematic task polyurethane marketing experts face today.
Young Marketers Go Online
For marketers like Erica Lee, a sales channel and digitalization...
Polyurethane Helps Shoe Manufacturers Reach their Sustainability Goals
Many footwear companies have pledged to reduce waste and their carbon footprint over the coming years. Several have turned to polyurethane to achieve innovative solutions that can help them reach their sustainability goals to accomplish this task.
Shoes Made Solely from Polyurethane
Several footwear brands are now in the business of creating shoes made entirely from polyurethane. Balenciaga, for example, has introduced a shoe called the Zen sneaker. Touted as a leather alternative, the shoe is constructed entirely from polyurethane.
Simplifying the Supply Chain
On average, most athletic shoes are made using a dozen or more materials. This production process...