BASF opens new thermoplastic polyurethanes research lab in Michigan
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Lab to focus on development of new products for automotive, construction, sports and industries
WYANDOTTE, Mich.—BASF has opened a new research lab for thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) In Michigan.
According to BASF, the lab, Located in Wyandotte, Mich., just south of Detroit, will be home to product developers, chemists and material scientists who will work to discover new products for the automotive, construction and sports and leisure industries.
The initially five-person team’s main working area is TPU synthesis and processing.
The aim is to customize key material properties such as stiffness, elasticity, transparency and UV stability to meet individual customer wishes by varying the manufacturing conditions.
The basic properties of thermoplastic polyurethanes include high scratch and abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, very good cushioning, high flexibility at cold temperatures and excellent resistance to oil, grease, oxygen and ozone.
Applications for these highly versatile plastics include cables and tubes in the automotive, mechanical engineering and construction industries.
Polyurethane as films is used for packaging, skis and snowboards, air cushioning systems for insoles and as fibers for clothing textiles.
