Metallurgy / Chemicals / Rubber & Plastics

Recently, Wanhua Chemical has launched thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) products made of 100% bio-based raw materials.

This 100% bio-based TPU product uses bio-based pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI) made from corn stover, and additives such as rice bran wax are also derived from non-food chain corn, castor and other renewable resources. The product has excellent properties such as high strength, high toughness, oil resistance, and anti-yellowing, and can be used in footwear, film, consumer electronics, food contact and other fields.

Bio-based TPU has the advantages of low carbon, environmental protection, recyclability, light weight, and durability. The downstream products have a wide range of directions. Major companies around the world have also launched bio-based TPU-related products. At present, Wanhua Chemical has conducted in-depth research based on the bio-based integrated platform, and has developed TPU products with 10% to 100% bio-based, covering polyester, polyether and other types of products.

TPU is a block copolymer composed of isocyanate, polyol and chain extender, which is widely used as a new polyurethane material. The common synthesis method of bio-based TPU is to introduce bio-based monomers or intermediates during the polymerization process, such as bio-based isocyanates, bio-based polyols, bio-based 1,4-butanediol or propylene glycol, etc. Among them, bio-based isocyanate is the key point that needs to be broken through to produce 100% bio-based TPU.