Bags / Shoes & Accessories

DuPont Mobility and Materials has announced the commercial availability of a new closed-cell Hytrel foam made through a supercritical fluid (SCF) foaming process.

While a wide range of applications could benefit from the enhanced shock absorption and durability of the new Hytrel foam, manufacturers of footwear, sporting goods, consumer goods, furniture, and wire and cable jackets are expected to be early adopters of the new solution.

This fully recyclable material is the first foam product in the Hytrel product range. Not only does it reduce its environmental impact, the company says, but customers have also demonstrated improved elasticity compared to thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU, E-TPU), polyurethane (PU) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foams 15%, and the weight is reduced by 20%.

"It's no secret that brand owners like Newton Running Shoes are looking for more sustainable materials and production methods to combat climate change," said Hilary Wang, marketing manager for DuPont Mobility and Materials.

Hilary Wang pointed out that these companies are also actively seeking more sustainable processes than chemical foaming, which is being restricted or even eliminated in some countries. Unlike foaming materials that rely on chemical blowing agents, the new Hytrel foam is produced using CO2 and N2 gases, which are present in the time-tested and proven supercritical fluid foaming process, according to DuPont Mobility & Materials. .

This process has three benefits - no residues of chemical blowing agents in the final product, no volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, thus reducing the potential for global warming, no odors or allergens, and The foam is compatible with skin contact.

DuPont Mobility and Materials will showcase the new Hytrel foam and other cutting-edge solutions and technological innovations at the upcoming K 2022 plastics and rubber industry trade show. The international event, held every three years, will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19th to 26th.

DuPont Mobility and Materials provides a broad range of technology products and solutions for the automotive, electronics, industrial, consumer, medical, photovoltaic and telecommunications markets.