- Polyols designed to replace conventional petroleum-based polyols
- Polycarbonate backbone increases strength & durability of polyurethane products
- Germany’s Jowat AG uses CO2-Based polyols
Novomer Inc., a manufacturer of polymers and other chemicals from renewable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide (CO2), has announced that German adhesive supplier Jowat AG is the first to commercially adopt Novomer’s new Converge polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polyols for use in polyurethane hot melt adhesive applications.
Products contain more than 40% by weight CO2
Converge polyols are designed to replace conventional petroleum-based polyether, polyester, and polycarbonate polyols. They are based on the co-polymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) and epoxides and the resulting products contain more than 40% by weight CO2. The use of waste CO2 as a significant raw material yields a product with an extremely low carbon footprint. In addition, since waste CO2 is significantly lower in cost than conventional petroleum-based raw materials, Converge polyol manufacturing costs are favorable compared to conventional polyols when produced at full commercial scale.
Polycarbonate backbone increases strength & durability of polyurethane products
In terms of performance, Novomer’s polyols have a polycarbonate backbone which increases the strength and durability of polyurethane products. Incorporating these new polyols into existing formulations yields foams with higher tensile and tear strength, and increased load bearing capacity; adhesives and coatings with improved adhesion, cohesive strength, weatherability, elastomers with greater tensile and flexural strength.
Calorific content is 40-50% lower than conventional polyols
In addition, the high CO2 content enabled by Novomer’s proprietary technology produces polyols with a calorific content (heat of combustion) that is 40% to 50% lower than conventional polyether, polyester, and polycarbonate polyols. This feature is especially important in polyurethane applications that must meet strict flammability requirements. The company’s initial product range, 1000 and 2000 molecular weight grades, are manufactured at a facility in Houston, Texas.
One of the first companies to employ the new Converge polyols is German Jowat AG. The company was able to leverage the technical advantages of the polyols to develop a new formulation, said Klaus Kullmann, Managing Director/Sales and Marketing for Jowat AG. “We were able to help a customer improve the hydrolytic stability of their reactive hot melt without compromising on green strength and productivity,” said Kullmann. “Converge polyols are unique materials and will help differentiate many more of our products in the future.”
