LANXESS presents two new low free prepolymer technologies

The polyurethane systems business unit of specialty chemicals company LANXESS will present the development of innovative materials at this year's annual meeting of the Polyurethane Manufacturers Association (PMA)
.
They will present two new Adiprene series of prepolymers produced using low free (LF) technology so they have very low diisocyanate content
.
The Polyurethane Manufacturers Association (PMA) Annual Meeting will be held August 7-9 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
.

Meet the highest demands

One of the most challenging applications for polyurethane casting systems is high temperature applications
.
With the advancement of polyurethane chemistry technology over the years, gating systems are used more and more frequently in this high-performance segment
.
Ian Laskowitz, Application Development Manager for Lanxess Polyurethane Systems, will focus on the new Adiprene LF TR400 high temperature prepolymer based on polycarbonate
.

This low free TDI prepolymer was cured with MCDEA (4,4'-methylenebis(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline))
.
It is easier to process than similar prepolymer systems for high temperature applications
.
For example, it provides manageable machining/pouring life
.
The results show that the obtained cast elastomer has high performance comparable to the existing polyurethane high temperature system, and has excellent high temperature property retention ability
.
Therefore, tear strength hardly decreases at high temperature
.
In addition, it has high heat aging resistance at 150°C
.

Ian Laskowitz's presentation will expand the use of high temperature physical property testing, comparing this new prepolymer to standard cast polyurethane materials, and the ability to maintain high temperature physical properties after heat aging in high temperature applications
.
The processing needs of the material will also be discussed
.

Ease of handling and enhanced performance

LANXESS has developed a unique one-component blocked prepolymer Adiprene K LFM E820 based on a caprolactam (CAP) blocked prepolymer and a diamine curing agent
.
This will be the focus of a presentation by senior chemist George Brereton at the Polyurethane Manufacturers Association (PMA) annual meeting
.

Low viscosity closed prepolymer systems based on low free technology allow chemical reactions using non-traditional raw materials, including higher viscosity polycarbonate polyols and unique amine types
.
These stable one-component systems offer processors a number of advantages, including increased control over the curing process and improved batch-to-batch product consistency
.
Without limiting pot life, these systems allow the machining of large parts, complex contour designs and rotational forming of hollow parts
.
These systems can provide enhanced thermomechanical properties, ease of processing, and enhanced industrial hygiene
.

The various possible applications for closed low free prepolymers range from small thicknesses of 1-2 mm to large parts up to several tons
.
For example, these systems are used as abrasive pad binders or coatings for industrial rolls, and for impregnation of industrial belts
.
Another advantage of it is that there is no need for mixing and metering systems, which is worth it in terms of component cost
.
Potential applications include dynamic bending stiffeners for thick cables such as subsea cables, industrial rollers, wind turbine rotor blades or components of large composite structures
.

The LANXESS Polyurethane Systems business unit is one of the world's leading suppliers of polyurethane systems for elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants, with a particular focus on solvent- and monomer-free systems and offers its customers decades of expertise in polyurethane chemistry knowledge, comprehensive application expertise and deep manufacturing experience
.