The world's first!

In order to achieve efficient and sustainable resource utilization, Wanhua Chemical has conducted in-depth research based on the bio-based integrated platform and launched a TPU product made of 100% bio-based raw materials, adding a sustainable material solution to multiple industries
.

It is reported that Wanhua Chemical's 100% bio-based TPU products use bio-based PDI made from corn stalks, and additives such as rice bran wax are also derived from non-food chain corn, grate and other renewable resources
.

Relying on the advantages of resource conservation and renewable raw materials, the carbon emission of end consumer products can be minimized, which is also a big step forward in Wanhua Chemical's bio-based research and development journey
.

According to reports, this product also continuously empowers the green transformation in the fields of shoes and apparel, films, consumer electronics, and food contact with its excellent high strength, high toughness, oil resistance, and anti-yellowing properties
.

In the context of carbon neutrality and sustainable development, the bio-based material industry and market are developing rapidly
.
As a common thermoplastic elastomer, TPU is naturally not far behind in its bio-based development process.
Many TPU manufacturers have launched related products
.

Definition and Market of Bio-based Materials

Bio-based materials are new materials and chemicals made from renewable substances such as grains, legumes, straw, bamboo and wood flour, corn, cassava, wheat, potatoes, cellulose, palm oil, etc.
, mainly including bio-based chemical raw materials, Bio-based plastics, bio-based fibers, bio-based rubber,
etc.

Bio-based TPU is a member of the bio-based material family.
Compared with traditional petrochemical TPU, it has the advantages of carbon emission reduction, sustainable regeneration of raw materials, green production, and resource conservation
.

Various countries and regions around the world have clear plans for the development of bio-based materials:

According to the US "Biomass Technology Roadmap" plan, by 2030, bio-based chemicals will replace 25% of organic chemicals and 20% of petroleum fuels

According to the EU's "Industrial Biotechnology Vision Plan", in 2030, bio-based raw materials will replace 6%-12% of chemical raw materials and 30%-60% of fine chemicals

In my country, the output value of the modern bio-manufacturing industry is planned to exceed 1 trillion yuan in the future, and the proportion of bio-based products in all chemical production will reach 25%.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), at least 20% (about $800 billion) of petrochemicals will be replaced by bio-based products in the next decade, compared with less than 5% currently.
, there is a huge market gap
.

Note that bio-based materials are not necessarily biodegradable
.

Although there are overlaps between bio-based materials and bio-degradable materials, the essential difference is that bio-based materials emphasize low-carbon sources, environmental protection and sustainability, and they may not be biodegradable, such as bio-based PE and bio-based PA; While biodegradable materials tend to be more environmentally friendly after disposal, it can also be polymerized with petrochemical-derived monomers, such as PBAT
.

Preparation, Properties and Application of Bio-based TPU

TPU is a block copolymer composed of diisocyanate, polyol and chain extender.
Since bio-based materials emphasize the sustainability of raw materials, the preparation of bio-based TPU is easier to understand.
The common method is in the polymerization process.
Introduce bio-based monomers or intermediates, such as bio-based polytetrahydrofuran, butanediol, propylene glycol, MDI,
etc.

TPU has high modulus, high strength, high elongation and high elasticity, excellent wear resistance, oil resistance, low temperature resistance, aging resistance, high tensile strength, high elongation, low long-term compression set rate, etc.
Its a significant advantage
.

It is understood that the bio-based TPU launched by major manufacturers can already achieve the same performance as traditional petrochemical TPU.
The difference is mainly in the level of bio-based TPU, which is generally 30-40%.
Wanhua Chemical has achieved 100% this time.
% can be said to be a very significant breakthrough
.

As a thermoplastic elastomer with excellent comprehensive properties, TPU has a wide range of downstream products, such as electronic appliances, sporting goods, medical products, daily necessities, toys, decorative materials and so on
.

Therefore, bio-based TPU, which is comparable in performance to traditional petrochemical TPU, also has a wide range of applications, such as footwear, leather products, automotive and engineering, cosmetics and personal care, medical, packaging, sporting goods, toys and gadgets, etc.
etc.

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