ABSTRACT
Innovative seating solutions that combine flexibility in first surface appearance, increased functionality, and cost reduction opportunities have been developed by Dow for automotive and non-automotive applications that will meet your needs. For instance, current automotive seats are typically manufactured either with polyurethane foam pads, which are subsequently topped with a fabric, vinyl, or leather seat covering, or by molding seat foam with separate covering materials in a pour-in-place operation. Dow’s technology integrates the first surface material into the foam pad, eliminating costly cut-and-sew operations or coverstock pre-forms for pour-in-place operations.
This polyurethane application development enables automotive seats with a supple, durable outer layer, which exhibit excellent touch and grain definition, mold-in color capability, and the ability to tune seat comfort, while supporting washable interior initiatives. Coupling this new material development with the seating design element, Dow’s technology unleashes the potential for lower profile seating, and unique seating styles and aesthetics. This combination is expected to be ideally suited for a wide range of vehicles including trucks, sport utilities, mini vans, passenger cars, niche and cross-over vehicles or any vehicle platform interested in achieving a boldly differentiated seat system, and still realize cost savings. The ability to recycle automotive seating is improved in this one-constituent solution. Furniture applications can also greatly benefit from this technology. Explore the possibilities of this seating development with Dow.
