Global chemical company Huntsman revealed further details of the products it will promote at K 2019 this October. Huntsman will showcase the range of polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) systems it provides to the global plastics industry.

Taking center stage will be Huntsman’s new Iroprint additive manufacturing platform. Unveiled at the K preview in early July, ahead of its introduction at K, the Iroprint additive manufacturing platform consists of three different urethane-based materials (resins, powders and filaments) that can be 3D printed using stereolithography (SLA), high speed sintering (HSS) and fused filament fabrication (FFF) techniques.

In parallel, Huntsman’s elastomers team will highlight its capabilities in:

Film & Sheet: Huntsman has a range of TPU elastomers that can be processed, via flat-die- or blown-film-extrusion techniques, into films that offer a combination of toughness, transparency and can perform at a wide range of operating temperatures, the company says. Huntsman’s Krystalflex TPU films are a long-established brand of interlayer films for laminated safety glazing applications. Huntsman says it has a range of innovative Krystalgran TPU resins that offer very good transparency, UV resistance and durability for surface protection applications. Huntsman’s recyclable Irogran TPU resins are also known for their use in barrier and adhesive applications, such as roofing membranes, textile or inflatables applications.

Hot cast elastomers: Through its global Tecnoelastomeri business, Huntsman offers a range of Tecnothane engineering elastomers and a suite of Castech processing machines. Huntsman Tecnoelastomeri’s latest material innovation is a family of resilient polyurethanes for the manufacture of wheels, castors and industrial parts, which need to perform in extreme working conditions. According to Huntsman, the easy-to-process Tecnothane VTER range includes six elastomer systems with customizable features, which can be adapted to customer requirements. The Tecnoelastomeri business also comprises Castech machines: according to the manufacturer, they correspond to a flexible, low maintenance, equipment solution that can enable the precision metering and mixing of hot-cast elastomers and microcellular elastomer foams from all kinds of isocyanate and chain extender combinations. The most recent Castech model - the HP3000 machine - provides precision dosing with good mix homogeneity; a high output; and precise shot casting capabilities, the manufacturer assures.

Wire & Cable: Huntsman is a provider of elastomers for cable jacketing electrical wires used in automation, automotive, energy, and consumer electronics applications. Huntsman’s wire and cable solutions include Irogran FR TPU - a family of halogen-free, flame retardant (HFFR) cable jacketing materials that, according to the company, offer improved performance when it comes to strength, durability and resistance to environmental factors including ageing, oil, water, hydrolysis and temperature heat changes exposure.

Regulated markets: The availability of plasticizer-free, hygienic TPU grades is essential to the global food and drink industry. Huntsman says it has a range of elastomers for picking, processing and packaging tasks that adhere to rigorous food contact material (FCM) health and safety standards. The manufacturer claims that these specialist products - produced on dedicated lines, where good manufacturing practice (GMP) procedures are in place - include elastomers for conveyor belts that have excellent wear and tear properties, and an inherent resistance to water and microbial attack - which makes them easy to clean. Huntsman also offers elastomers for use in the potable water industry, which pass migration and smell tests such as NSF / ANSI / CAN 61 standard (National Sanitation Foundation) or KTW guidelines from Umweltbundesamt, the company assures.

PU Elastomers: When it comes to PU elastomers, Huntsman’s product range includes MDI-based variants, available under the Suprasec brand, and a range of fully formulated Daltoped polyol systems. Huntsman offers a variety of PU elastomers for modeling, tooling and prototyping (MTP) applications; electric and electronic encapsulants; synthetic leather; cold cast elastomers; and gaskets and filters. The business also has a range of fully formulated Acoustiflex elastomers for noise vibration applications.

Footwear: Huntsman is a leading developer of PU and TPU materials for the footwear industry. At the K show, the team will promote the latest technologies from its Daltoped platform of fully formulated PU systems, which are designed to meet the lightweight, comfort and high-performance requirements demanded by sports, casual and safety shoe manufacturers. The team will also highlight its comprehensive portfolio of Avalon TPUs, which, according to Huntsman, deliver soft, rubber-like properties alongside superior slip resistance.

Source: Huntsman