Lanxess introduces ‘green' prepolymer for urethane failure analysis

PITTSBURGH—Failure analysis provides critical information for any manufacturer of plastics or rubber.

As Lanxess A.G. works toward climate neutrality by 2040, its new Adiprene Green prepolymer line will go a long way toward both sustainability goals and finding the root causes of polyurethane failures, the company said in a news release.

The Cologne, Germany, chemical supplier will showcase both the bio-based Adiprene Green and other analytical methods for determining failure thresholds at the Polyurethane Manufacturers Association annual meeting, set for April 23 to 26 in Austin, Texas.

According to Lanxess, the new prepolymer was created by the company's Urethane Systems business segment and comprises MDI-based prepolymers that, "when processed with 1,4-Butanediol, can achieve a hardness range between 40A and 60D durometer."

"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," said Lanxess, which has a U.S. base in Pittsburgh.

George Brereton, senior chemist for Urethane Systems, will discuss the product at the upcoming PMA conference, noting that determining failure analysis can be a complex process requiring physical, mechanical and chemical analysis.

In addition, technical services specialist Matthew Sennett "will review ... advanced methods to understand the causes of polyurethane under-performance in real-world cases."

Failure analysis can be performed via a number of methods, in combination or by themselves, including finite element analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Lanxess' Urethane Systems provides polyurethane solutions for elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants "with a focus on solvent-free and monomer-free systems."