LANXESS to present bio-based Adiprene Green prepolymers and advanced techniques for polyurethane failure analysis

Pittsburgh, PA – The Urethane Systems (URE) business unit of specialty chemicals company LANXESS will present at the Polyurethane Manufacturer’s Association (PMA) annual meeting the new sustainable Adiprene® Green prepolymer line, as well as advanced analytical techniques that support customers in the determination of polyurethane failure root causes. The PMA will take place from April 23 to 26 in Austin, Texas.

LANXESS will showcase its novel polyurethane contributions on its path towards climate neutrality by 2040 focused around the sustainable Adiprene Green product line. This product family is currently composed of MDI-based prepolymers that, when processed with 1,4-Butanediol, can achieve a hardness range between 40A to 60D. These products enable polyurethane processors to produce elastomers with up to 90 percent bio-based content, providing greenhouse gas savings up to 30 percent in comparison with fossil derived polyurethanes. In addition, George Brereton, Senior Chemist for Urethane Systems will share further developments in regards to the Adiprene Green product line, including combining sustainability advantages with superior industrial hygiene based on LANXESS’ low-free MDI and pPDI solutions.

The determination of the root cause of premature polyurethane failure requires a combination of physical, mechanical and chemical analysis. Technical Services Specialist Matthew Sennett will review common tests as well as advanced methods to understand the causes of polyurethane underperformance in real world cases.
These cases will range from the most common material and processing issues to very extensive failure analyses that require advanced mechanical and analytical techniques such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

The LANXESS Urethane Systems business unit is one of the world’s leading suppliers of polyurethane systems for elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants with special focus on solvent-free and monomer-free systems, and provides its customers decades of urethane chemistry know-how, comprehensive application expertise, and deep manufacturing experience.