Polyurethane Center

Cardolite offers innovative, renewable products for polyurethane applications. Navigate this page to learn more about the ways our materials can help enhance the performance of your polyurethane systems.

POLYURETHANE CHEMISTRY

Polyurethanes are made from the reaction of diisocyanates with polyols. The network is comprised of a soft segment that contributes to elasticity, resilience and low temperature performance (polyol) and a hard segment that can impart hardness and flexural strength (NCO-extender).

Common diisocyanates used include TDI, MDI (also in polymeric form), HDI, and IPDI. Typical polyol types used include polyesters, polyethers, polycarbonates, polycaprolactones, amine terminated, and acrylics. Bio-based polyols, also referred to as Natural Oil Polyols (NOP), are also widely employed and can be derived from Cashew Nutshell Liquid (non-food chain), and various vegetable oils such soy bean, castor and palm oils, or sugars/starch.

A variety of additives such as catalysts, surfactants, moisture scavengers, diluents, flame retardants, chain extenders, pigments and fillers are used to control application behavior and performance.

In general, polyurethanes provide excellent weatherability, mechanical properties, adhesion to various substrates and abrasion and tear resistance amongst many valuable performance properties.

MARKETS AND APPLICATIONS

Polyurethanes have become the chemistry of choice for many industries due to their versatility. A wide range of properties can be achieved by varying the type of raw materials used, specially by selecting the type of polyols and isocyanates.

Moreover, polyurethanes can be prepared as thermosets to impart high thermal, mechanical and chemical resistance or as thermoplastics for applications that require strength and durability with more elastomeric properties. In terms of application properties, polyurethanes are available as one or two component systems, and can be designed in water (PUD), in solvent or as solvent free systems.

Depending on the end-use of the material, they can be low in viscosity or very viscous. As a result, polyurethanes are broadly formulated for use in coatings, adhesives and sealants, flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, textiles and fibers, composites and many other markets.

OUR RENEWABLE PRODUCTS

Cardolite offers bio-based product lines for polyurethanes with unique performance. Novel renewable polyols and diols based on CNSL technology deliver hydrophobicity, good hydrolytic stability, chemical and fire resistance. Moreover CNSL technology does not interfere with the food chain, which is not the case for some commonly used natural oil polyols. Cardolite also uses other renewable technologies to complement performance as needed.

CNSL-based NCO blocking agents are an alternative to petro-based blocking agents. Our isocyanate blocking agents provide favorable deblocking conditions, low viscosity and low volatility, and lower EHS concerns.

Our line of high bio-content, low viscosity CNSL derivatives deliver excellent dilution properties to polyurethane formulations while also introducing hydrophobicity. These diluents are available in very light color and may react into the polyurethane network depending on formulation and grade used. They are good alternatives to castor oil and propylene carbonate.

CNSL-based ethoxylated surfactants are a safer alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and can also serve as replacements to silicones and natural-oil based surfactants used in polyurethane formulations.