BASF launches a new range of ether-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs).

Advanced material technology with excellent mechanical properties

Key benefits such as hydrolysis resistance and excellent mechanical properties make Elastollan® 1400 ideal for different industries such as transportation, industrial manufacturing, and footwear. Whether it's track mats, cable jackets, tubes and hoses, profiles, gears or shoe soles, the new grades deliver reliability and long-lasting performance. For the footwear industry, superior wet slip resistance is a key advantage, ensuring enhanced safety and comfort.

The 1400 Series has unique dynamic properties that result from a discrete glass transition temperature (Tg) and an extended viscoelastic platform. These properties contribute to improved dimensional stability and a wide range of thermal applications.

Experimental-grade for sampling

After more than two years of research, an experimental grade for specific applications and processing techniques is available for sampling. Customers and interested prospects are welcome to further explore these new grades and experience the product's performance firsthand.

Improve sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of your products

Designed with sustainability in mind, the Elastollan® 1400 series has a lower carbon footprint compared to TPU grades with equivalent performance (e.g., up to 30% for 80 Shore A). This sustainability advantage appeals to manufacturers who prioritize environmental issues and seek ways to minimize their ecological footprint.

Elastollan® is a registered trademark of BASF.

BASF's polyarylethersulfone in green hydrogen

High-efficiency electrolyzers are key to driving a green hydrogen economy. To develop larger, more efficient and more durable electrolyzers, BASF has established a unique partnership with the energy industry: a customized portfolio of polyarylethersulfone (PSU, PESU, PPSU) products for water electrolyzer components for the production of green hydrogen, combined with application expertise and reliable local technical support for part design.

With an in-depth understanding of complex injection molding applications and membrane casting, BASF helps customers upgrade their electrolyzer technology to drive the transition to clean energy. BASF's portfolio of electrolyzer parts includes Ultrason® grades for frames, gaskets and diaphragms.

Ultrason® is ideal for use as a metal substitute in various components of alkaline (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anionic electrolyte membrane (AEM) electrolyzers.

This amorphous polymer has excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. Its outstanding properties under demanding conditions include the thermoplastic processing of structural components and the constant high purity of separators. Ultrason's® temperature-independent mechanical properties make it suitable for current (90°C) and future (>120°C) electrolyzers.

BASF's polyarylethersulfone also extends the service life of the electrolyzer: it is able to withstand the high compressive forces of the electrolyzer system and has excellent hydrolytic stability. BASF's thermoplastics can be used for small and large injection molded and extruded parts. All of these advantages result in a lighter weight electrolyzer and greater design freedom compared to metal to meet different structural needs.

Ultrason® accelerates green hydrogen production

The efficiency of green hydrogen plants can be increased by larger, longer-lasting and more robust electrolyzers. Erik Gubbels, Global Business Development at BASF's Ultrason®, says: "Do you want to develop water electrolyzer parts with a particular focus on increasing operating temperatures and extending service life? We support all interested companies in selecting the right Ultrason® grade and offer experience in the process from part and tool design to final mass production. ”

"We are a global partner, but we act locally in the development of high-quality injection molded parts and high-performance diaphragms. With more than 30 years of expertise in plastics processing, material properties and membrane production, BASF is the perfect choice for your electrolyzer project, saving you time and money and making you a frontrunner in the electrolyzer market. ”

Ultrason® is known for its superior properties, such as low cyclic dimer content and consistently high material quality, which provide a stable spinning solution for membrane casting. That's why Ultrason® has been the market standard for membranes used in the water filtration and dialysis industry for more than 25 years. BASF's in-depth application and process knowledge in this area makes it the ideal partner to take technology to the next level in hydrogen applications.

The Ultrason® range includes polyethersulfone (Ultrason® E), polysulfone (Ultrason® S) and polyphenylsulfone (Ultrason® P). This high-performance thermoplastic is used in the manufacture of water filtration membranes, stylish and durable household and food products, and lightweight components for the automotive and aerospace industries. Due to its superior performance characteristics, the Ultrason® brand is able to replace thermoset plastics, metals and ceramics in many applications.