BASF Unveils New Ether-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Series

BASF has introduced a new ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) series, Elastollan® 1400, offering exceptional resistance to hydrolysis and microbial degradation. This innovative TPU is designed with stable processing behavior and excellent compression set properties, making it a versatile material for various industries. Elastollan® 1400 stands out for its superior burst pressure performance, and it can be processed through both extrusion and injection molding. The material’s aging stability ensures long-lasting, reliable performance across a range of applications.

Elastollan® 1400’s advanced mechanical properties make it suitable for industries such as transportation, industrial manufacturing, and footwear. The material is ideal for products like rail pads, cable sheathing, tubes, hoses, profiles, gearwheels, and shoe soles. In the footwear industry, the material’s excellent wet slip resistance enhances safety and comfort. Its unique dynamic properties, stemming from a discrete glass transition temperature (Tg) and an extended viscoelastic plateau, contribute to improved dimensional stability and an extended thermal application range, making it reliable in demanding environments.

After more than two years of research, BASF is now offering experimental grades of Elastollan® 1400 for specific applications and processing technologies, allowing customers to explore the product’s capabilities firsthand. Interested parties are encouraged to sample the new grades and experience their performance in real-world applications.

Sustainability is a key focus of the Elastollan® 1400 series. The material boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional TPU grades with comparable performance. For instance, for a hardness rating of shore 80 A, the series can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 30%. This makes Elastollan® 1400 particularly appealing to manufacturers seeking to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining high performance standards. As companies increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices, this TPU series offers a valuable solution for those aiming to reduce their carbon emissions and environmental footprint without compromising on material quality or performance.

Overall, Elastollan® 1400 offers a combination of advanced mechanical properties, processing flexibility, and sustainability, making it a highly desirable choice for diverse industries.

BASF is committed to driving a sustainable future by combining economic success with environmental care and social responsibility. With around 112,000 employees worldwide, the company serves customers across nearly every industry and region. BASF's extensive portfolio is organized into six key segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. In 2023, the company achieved sales of €68.9 billion. BASF's shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker BAS and are available in the U.S. as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY). BASF produces a wide range of chemicals, including solvents, amines, resins, adhesives, electronic-grade chemicals, industrial gases, basic petrochemicals, and inorganic compounds like Z-Cote.