ABSTRACT
The versatility of polyurethanes, both in finished product properties as well as in ease of production and application, is unmatched among the various families of polymers. The polyurethane chemistry allows the manufacture of a wide range of products from soft foams to compact elastomers, from rigid foams to integral skin items. This paper describes a novel formulation technology that is suitable for the manufacture of a special type of super-soft polyurethane elastomer, also called polyurethane gel. Dow successfully commercializes these polyurethane gels under the trademark VORASTAR*.
VORASTAR* polyurethane gels are designed for use in a large variety of consumer and industrial applications. They are typically applied as non-foamed derivatives. Thanks to their molecular architecture, VORASTAR* polyurethane gels feature improved properties as well as improved performance in the final application.
This paper describes some of the recent developmental work that took place within Dow Polyurethane Systems business, and that resulted in a novel polyurethane gel technology.
Dow’s objective was to develop a range of PU gel products capable of meeting current application comfort and safety standards, along with improved dampening properties and good dimensional stability at high temperatures. VORASTAR* polyurethane gels are designed to be used without plasticizers and are available in wide range of hardness. The applications described in this paper range from shoe insoles to anti-pressure medical cushions, from mouse wrist pads to bicycle saddles.
