BASF introduces new TPU technologies for automotive interior applications

BASF has launched two new technologies in its Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) product line for automotive interior applications.

Both materials combine the inherent attributes of TPU - weatherability, colorfastness, scratch and mar resistance, soft touch and easy processing - with enhanced features that enable TPU to be a viable material for automotive interior end uses.

Elastollan LP9277 (68A) and LP9299 (60A) aliphatic HPM TPUs both yield the necessary attributes for interior soft trim applications of soft touch without the use of plasticizer and good weatherability. In addition to achieving an appealing surface finish, these components feature the good scratch and mar resistance of TPU-based products, good color fastness and low fogging. The good substrate adhesion of this TPU series also makes it ideal for over-molding end uses.

BASF also introduced an aliphatic slush-molding grade, Elastollan SP9269 TPU, for instrument panel skins with good heat-aging resistance, and the ability to produce a seamless air bag design. Even though the Elastollan TPU technology is more complex than polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based systems, it can produce instrument panel skins with very low scrap rates of less than 4% in commercial applications.