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Q&A – Questions & Answers
Polyurethane is any polymer—a large molecule of repeating structural units—composed of a chain of organic units, joined by urethane links. It includes natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties. Polyurethanes are the most versatile of all the polymers and can be made liquid, rigid, pliable and stretchable, and can be spread, sprayed or molded.
Related downloads
Doing it right with polyurethane insulation.
Related videos
BASF elastomers can be molded to almost any size, shape and texture. This makes them well suited to producing everything from wristwatch straps to molds for simulated stone and outdoor decking to retail store mannequins.
BASF's custom-formulated rigid foams and glass sphere syntactic foams offer lower K-factor insulation, which is critical to maintaining oil flow with longer, more complex pipelines in deeper ocean environments. BASF cast and spray elastomers also improve pipe corrosion and abrasion resistance. For deep water applications, BASF offers a unique glass sphere syntactic foam that is capable of withstanding deep sea ocean pressure and higher oil temperatures while offering very low K-factor.
Related downloads
300 meters deep and 30 hours at a stretch — no problem for Trident.
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High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
BASF polyurethane adhesives provide exceptional bonding to a wide variety of substrates, over a significant range of temperatures. They help cut time, labor, construction and assembly costs. They work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
Elastocast™ polyurethane elastomers have exceptional tensile, tear and elongation properties, which makes them an ideal solution for reinforcing building panels or metal construction of any kind. They're stable over wide ranging temperatures and can be made highly resilient to impact, abrasion, cutting or tearing. They also can be filled for additional physical properties and to lower system cost. Spray-applied elastomers are often used in composites to add strength, protection or aesthetics to other materials. Good elongation and anticorrosion properties make cast elastomers well-suited for pipe coatings. And formulations that require resilience and tear strength properties are ideal for molds and concrete stamps. You'll also find them being used on expansion joints in bridge construction, in rail applications for highway crossings and for rail spike adhesives.
Related products
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature range performance. Formulations can react to create the strongest possible adhesion to wood, or to bond other substrates such as EPS, OSB or specific metals.
BASF offers adhesives that are 100% solids, containing no solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
A recent BASF fast binder study compared the two formulas using aspen at a face/core/face ratio of 25/50/25, platen temperature of 210 C and 1% wax emulsion for all panels. Test panels included 7/16" (2.5% PMDI dosage), 23/32" and 1" (both 4.5% PMDI dosage). The results showed that Lupranate® M20FB reacts faster and gives stronger bonding. However, moisture content was found to be very important. FB with 4% MC was faster than SB, and FB with 6% MC improved performance.
BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
Related downloads
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
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Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
Related downloads
Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Polyurethane helps reduce vehicle weight without sacrificing strength and durability. BASF's innovative polyurethane composite systems are being used to reduce the weight of load floors in a variety of vehicle types and platforms. From incredibly thin honeycomb cores encapsulated in LFI (long-glass fiber injection) polyurethane, to rigid polyurethane foam cores sandwiched between hardboard skins, BASF offers an affordable solution for every load floor application.
Far stiffer than traditional polypropylene floors and far lighter than hardboard floors, load floors made with polyurethane composites take mass out of your vehicles while improving strength.
In addition, the design flexibility offered by polyurethane helps enhance aerodynamics and reduce the weight of mudguards, bumpers, door sills, spoilers, hoods, wing mirror housings and roof modules.
Elastoskin® systems and Elastoflex® PUR foams boast lowest-in-class volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions—much lower than 100ppm—in any formulation, customized to your specifications.
Related products
Related videos
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
TPUs for foam-in-place seats offer significant tear/cut/abrasion resistance, adhesion to fabric, barrier properties, low temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability.
Related downloads
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Related videos
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Polyurethane requires less time to cure and eliminates the need for fiberglass lay-up, so cycle times are reduced and higher volume production is possible. That gives manufacturers a clear advantage over older technologies. In addition, overall strength and quality is improved.
Lupranate® isocyanate composites offer strong internal bond and excellent water resistance. Our Lupranate® M20FB binder also gives the producer the option to increase productivity by reducing press cycle times because the binder sets up faster.
Related products
Lupranate® Prepolymers (Quasi-)
Lupranate® Polymeric MDI Blends and Derivatives
Lupranate® Monomeric MDI Product Line
For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
Related downloads
Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature-range performance. They help cut time, labor, manufacturing and assembly costs. Our adhesives also work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
There are many factors to improving ergonomics in heavy trucks, and polyurethanes contribute in many areas. Acoustic foams minimize road and engine noise, creating a comfortable working environment for the driver, while sound deadening carpet underlay keeps road noises from penetrating the cockpit. For a firm and secure grip that is comfortable for miles on end, big rig steering wheels are made with Elastofoam® integral skin.
Long distance professional drivers need seats and bedding that are comfortable and durable, as well as supportive to reduce ergonomic strain. Elastoflex® provides exceptional support and resiliency, so it’s as comfortable on the first mile as it is on the last. The sleeping cabin is the driver’s home on the road and has to be comfortable, attractive and secure.
BASF polyurethane composites incorporated into the walls ensures sleeper cabins are well insulated from weather and noise. Incorporating Elastoskin® plus Elastoflex® provides truck designers with the flexibility to create warm, comfortable and durable cabin walls in almost any color, grain or texture using a single, in-mold process.
Related products
Related downloads
BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
Related downloads
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
The combination of a fine, closed cell structure and its special designed chemistry give Elastocool® the outstanding mechanical and physical properties required when the energy efficiency requirements of thermal insulation applications are extremely demanding. Elastocool® technology has been developed to enhance its processability, flow characteristics, and gel and demoulding time. The K-factor and density distribution are also improved, as well as the mechanical properties of the final product.
BASF has the right Elastocool® technology for thermal insulation solutions depending on a manufacturer's processing requirements, such as viscosity, fill and curing rates, to meet current and future energy requirements and environmental challenges.
Related products
Related downloads
BASF polyurethane has been installed at depths of 9,627 feet—the deepest sub-sea insulated flowline installed in the world to date. Even at those levels, it offers excellent temperature and hydrolysis resistance with very low water absorption.
BASF Elastocoat® polyurea elastomeric protective coatings are custom-engineered for low temperature elongation and high temperature tensile strength. When spray applied, they create a resilient and seamless membrane coating which is highly impermeable to water, corrosive chemicals and solvents and weather extremes.
Related downloads
Elastocoat®: seals secondary containments
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dallas Independent School District
BASF and Clinton Climate Initiative help Pennsylvania nonprofit retrofit green jobs training center
Polyurethane and polyurea protective coatings
BASF North America Headquarters and SPF Roofing
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High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
Two-component, closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam (SPF) air barriers offer an air permeance rating of 0.000025 l/s.m2 @ 75 Pa (at 0.5-inch thickness), combined with an R-value of 6.7 per inch. A single application gives you air barrier, vapor barrier and insulation in one system.
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The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory
WALLTITE® SPF Air Barrier in the sustainable Vancouver 2010 Olympic Village
WALLTITE® Insulating Air Barrier System
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Mike Holmes presents WALLTITE ECO®, the spray-applied purple insulation
WALLTITE® closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation
WALLTITE® insulating air barrier system has pass the ASTM E 2357 Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies test and is approved by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). WALLTITE® also meets air barrier requirements of the Commercial Energy Codes of Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Michigan. In Canada, WALLTITE® technologies have also passed the stringent Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) requirements for Insulation, Air Barrier Material and Air Barrier System.
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WALLTITE® ECO Insulating Air Barrier System
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The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory
WALLTITE® SPF Air Barrier in the sustainable Vancouver 2010 Olympic Village
WALLTITE® Insulating Air Barrier System
Related videos
Mike Holmes presents WALLTITE ECO®, the spray-applied purple insulation.
WALLTITE® closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation
BASF's custom-formulated rigid foams and glass sphere syntactic foams offer lower K-factor insulation, which is critical to maintaining oil flow with longer, more complex pipelines in deeper ocean environments. BASF cast and spray elastomers also improve pipe corrosion and abrasion resistance. For deep water applications, BASF offers a unique glass sphere syntactic foam that is capable of withstanding deep sea ocean pressure and higher oil temperatures while offering very low K-factor.
Related downloads
300 meters deep and 30 hours at a stretch — no problem for Trident.
Related videos
We provide solutions tailored to fit your requirements, optimized and adjusted in our appliance lab to match your needs. Specific processing conditions are simulated and optimized, with the final products tested, applying international standards and manufacturers’ test procedures.
Related downloads
A structural insulated panel (SIP) includes a core of insulation sandwiched between two structural skins--usually made of wood or OSB. An insulated metal panel (IMP) includes a core of insulation sandwiched between two diffusion-resistant metal skins. SIPs tend to be best suited for roof and wall elements in residential or light commercial construction, while IMPs are usually found in larger commercial and industrial construction and specialty applications such as cold storage facilities. IMPs are also sometimes used for residential construction in extremely cold climates.
There are three major differences. First, BASF uses the versatility of chemistry to offer a closed-cell content of greater than 90 percent for all of its roofing and air barrier formulations, and open-cell foams commonly used as insulation systems have approximately 60 percent open-cell content. Second, closed-cell foam offers an R-value of over 6.0 per inch and open cell offers between 3.0 and 3.9 per inch. Third, closed-cell foam is virtually impermeable to air, while most open-cell foams do not offer the air leakage performance required to qualify as an air barrier. However, open-cell foam is less expensive, and offers better sound absorption.
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WALLTITE ECO® Insulating Air Barrier System
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High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
Yes. There are many factors that contribute to the sustainability of SPF roofing systems. First, no tear-off of the existing roof is required in 98% of re-roofing applications, which diverts thousands of tons of waste from landfill. Second, they are extremely durable, offering industry-leading resistance to severe weather including wind uplift and impact from airborne debris. Third, they offer an extremely long life expectancy of 20 years or more, and are renewable indefinitely with simple recoats. And fourth, they make a significant contribution to building energy efficiency. One Texas A&M study showed the university was able to pay for the cost of their new SPF roofs in 4.5 years though energy savings! And when they are combined with reflective coatings, SPF roofing systems also help combat urban heat island effect and reduce smog.
Related downloads
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BASF polyurethane adhesives provide exceptional bonding to a wide variety of substrates, over a significant range of temperatures. They help cut time, labor, construction and assembly costs. They work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature range performance. Formulations can react to create the strongest possible adhesion to wood, or to bond other substrates such as EPS, OSB or specific metals.
BASF offers adhesives that are 100% solids, containing no solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
A recent BASF fast binder study compared the two formulas using aspen at a face/core/face ratio of 25/50/25, platen temperature of 210 C and 1% wax emulsion for all panels. Test panels included 7/16" (2.5% PMDI dosage), 23/32" and 1" (both 4.5% PMDI dosage). The results showed that Lupranate® M20FB reacts faster and gives stronger bonding. However, moisture content was found to be very important. FB with 4% MC was faster than SB, and FB with 6% MC improved performance.
Elastocast™ polyurethane elastomers have exceptional tensile, tear and elongation properties, which makes them an ideal solution for reinforcing building panels or metal construction of any kind. They're stable over wide ranging temperatures and can be made highly resilient to impact, abrasion, cutting or tearing. They also can be filled for additional physical properties and to lower system cost. Spray-applied elastomers are often used in composites to add strength, protection or aesthetics to other materials. Good elongation and anticorrosion properties make cast elastomers well-suited for pipe coatings. And formulations that require resilience and tear strength properties are ideal for molds and concrete stamps. You'll also find them being used on expansion joints in bridge construction, in rail applications for highway crossings and for rail spike adhesives.
Related products
BASF elastomers can be molded to almost any size, shape and texture. This makes them well suited to producing everything from wristwatch straps to molds for simulated stone and outdoor decking to retail store mannequins.
Polyurethane is any polymer—a large molecule of repeating structural units—composed of a chain of organic units, joined by urethane links. It includes natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties. Polyurethanes are the most versatile of all the polymers and can be made liquid, rigid, pliable and stretchable, and can be spread, sprayed or molded.
Related downloads
Doing it right with polyurethane insulation.
Related videos
BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
Related downloads
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
Related downloads
Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
In the case of conventional hydro bearings, the rubber end stop, which is subject to high dynamic loads, can wear away through friction. This results in the bearing ceasing to work properly before its time. So the usable life of the hydro bearing needs to be extended without the component geometry being changed. This can be done using an end stop (clip) made of Cellasto®, which is extremely resistant to friction.
Related downloads
Whether they are designed to accept steel coil springs or to isolate pneumatic springs, isolators also have to absorb and isolate the bearing pressure of the spring aid and support bearing.
Related downloads
The run-flat-tire developed especially for BMW by BASF Polyurethanes ensures driving safety. This wheel in a wheel ensures a safe continuation of the journey even in cases of destroyed and pressure-less tires, even at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). When things get tight the Cellasto® wheel assumes the supporting function of the tires.
Related downloads
Polyurethane helps reduce vehicle weight without sacrificing strength and durability. BASF's innovative polyurethane composite systems are being used to reduce the weight of load floors in a variety of vehicle types and platforms. From incredibly thin honeycomb cores encapsulated in LFI (long-glass fiber injection) polyurethane, to rigid polyurethane foam cores sandwiched between hardboard skins, BASF offers an affordable solution for every load floor application.
Far stiffer than traditional polypropylene floors and far lighter than hardboard floors, load floors made with polyurethane composites take mass out of your vehicles while improving strength.
In addition, the design flexibility offered by polyurethane helps enhance aerodynamics and reduce the weight of mudguards, bumpers, door sills, spoilers, hoods, wing mirror housings and roof modules.
This microcellular polyurethane elastomer is used to create auxiliary springs, support bearings and chassis components. Its excellent characteristics ensure a reduction in NVH and a clear increase in comfort and road dynamics. BASF is the world leader in microcellular polyurethane components.
How do polyurethane-based composite parts compare with vinyl esters or polyesters?
BASF urethane composites add strength while reducing weight in all kinds of RV and ATV components. This includes better impact resistance, similar HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature) and 25% less weight than parts made of vinyl esters or polyesters. BASF composites also offer molding efficiencies, reduce emissions during molding and eliminate VOCs.
The density of these moldings range from 350 kg/m³ to 650 kg/m³ depending on the mass of material used. Their cell volume amounts to 63% to 50% of the molding volume. The cell diameter amounts to tenths of a millimeter and the cells can be open or closed depending on the density. Compression loads first compress the cell volume and later the material itself. It therefore becomes harder as compression increases.
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When dimensioning Cellasto® mouldings the so-called creep - compression increasing over time under constant load - must be taken into consideration.
Related downloads
Elastoskin® systems and Elastoflex® PUR foams boast lowest-in-class volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions—much lower than 100ppm—in any formulation, customized to your specifications.
Related products
Related videos
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
TPUs for foam-in-place seats offer significant tear/cut/abrasion resistance, adhesion to fabric, barrier properties, low temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability.
Related downloads
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Related videos
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Cellasto® components are based on a cellular polyurethane elastomer. The molded components are produced in a closed-mold foaming process. They are high resilient spring- and damping elements with the following characteristics: high compressibility, low compression set, very good static and dynamic long-run behavior, wide application area from -30°C to +80°C ambient temperature and excellent durability and chemical resistance.
Related downloads
The outstanding features of Cellasto® are:
- Low compression set
- High volume compressibility with minimum lateral expression
- Excellent mechanical properties & durability
- Highly versatile - noise isolation at small amplitude & high frequency; vibration isolation at large amplitude & low frequency
- Abrasion resistant
- Resistant to ozone, oils, greases and other aliphatic hydrocarbons
Compact elastomers such as rubber, for instance, respond to compression with high lateral expansion. Cellular polyurethane elastomers, however, only create very low lateral expansion.
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Like all other elastomers, Cellasto® components gradually harden as temperature goes down.
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Yes. For many applications in the NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) area, low damping with small amplitudes and high frequencies is essential for improved isolation.
Related downloads
The pneumatic spring is reduced in size in accordance with the load taken on by the spring aid. Because of Cellasto®'s negligible lateral expansion, the flow holes are not closed - even if the spring aids deflect to the maximum. Cellasto® spring aids have sufficient emergency operation properties and can take over all of the suspension work should the pneumatic spring fail.
Related downloads
Whether they are designed to accept steel coil springs or to isolate pneumatic springs, isolators also have to absorb and isolate the bearing pressure of the spring aid and support bearing.
Related downloads
Polyurethane requires less time to cure and eliminates the need for fiberglass lay-up, so cycle times are reduced and higher volume production is possible. That gives manufacturers a clear advantage over older technologies. In addition, overall strength and quality is improved.
Mounts exposed to a low torsional load can be designed as almost pure tension-compression bearings.
Related downloads
In the case of conventional hydro bearings, the rubber end stop, which is subject to high dynamic loads, can wear away through friction. This results in the bearing ceasing to work properly before its time. So the usable life of the hydro bearing needs to be extended without the component geometry being changed. This can be done using an end stop (clip) made of Cellasto®, which is extremely resistant to friction.
Related downloads
Lupranate® isocyanate composites offer strong internal bond and excellent water resistance. Our Lupranate® M20FB binder also gives the producer the option to increase productivity by reducing press cycle times because the binder sets up faster.
Related products
Lupranate® Prepolymers (Quasi-)
Lupranate® Polymeric MDI Blends and Derivatives
Lupranate® Monomeric MDI Product Line
For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
Related downloads
Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature-range performance. They help cut time, labor, manufacturing and assembly costs. Our adhesives also work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
There are many factors to improving ergonomics in heavy trucks, and polyurethanes contribute in many areas. Acoustic foams minimize road and engine noise, creating a comfortable working environment for the driver, while sound deadening carpet underlay keeps road noises from penetrating the cockpit. For a firm and secure grip that is comfortable for miles on end, big rig steering wheels are made with Elastofoam® integral skin.
Long distance professional drivers need seats and bedding that are comfortable and durable, as well as supportive to reduce ergonomic strain. Elastoflex® provides exceptional support and resiliency, so it’s as comfortable on the first mile as it is on the last. The sleeping cabin is the driver’s home on the road and has to be comfortable, attractive and secure.
BASF polyurethane composites incorporated into the walls ensures sleeper cabins are well insulated from weather and noise. Incorporating Elastoskin® plus Elastoflex® provides truck designers with the flexibility to create warm, comfortable and durable cabin walls in almost any color, grain or texture using a single, in-mold process.
Related products
Related downloads
BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
Related downloads
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
The combination of a fine, closed cell structure and its special designed chemistry give Elastocool® the outstanding mechanical and physical properties required when the energy efficiency requirements of thermal insulation applications are extremely demanding. Elastocool® technology has been developed to enhance its processability, flow characteristics, and gel and demoulding time. The K-factor and density distribution are also improved, as well as the mechanical properties of the final product.
BASF has the right Elastocool® technology for thermal insulation solutions depending on a manufacturer's processing requirements, such as viscosity, fill and curing rates, to meet current and future energy requirements and environmental challenges.
Related products
Related downloads
BASF polyurethane has been installed at depths of 9,627 feet—the deepest sub-sea insulated flowline installed in the world to date. Even at those levels, it offers excellent temperature and hydrolysis resistance with very low water absorption.
BASF Elastocoat® polyurea elastomeric protective coatings are custom-engineered for low temperature elongation and high temperature tensile strength. When spray applied, they create a resilient and seamless membrane coating which is highly impermeable to water, corrosive chemicals and solvents and weather extremes.
Related downloads
Elastocoat®: seals secondary containments
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dallas Independent School District
BASF and Clinton Climate Initiative help Pennsylvania nonprofit retrofit green jobs training center
Polyurethane and polyurea protective coatings
BASF North America Headquarters and SPF Roofing
Related videos
High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
Two-component, closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam (SPF) air barriers offer an air permeance rating of 0.000025 l/s.m2 @ 75 Pa (at 0.5-inch thickness), combined with an R-value of 6.7 per inch. A single application gives you air barrier, vapor barrier and insulation in one system.
Related downloads
The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory
WALLTITE® SPF Air Barrier in the sustainable Vancouver 2010 Olympic Village
WALLTITE® Insulating Air Barrier System
Related videos
Mike Holmes presents WALLTITE ECO®, the spray-applied purple insulation
WALLTITE® closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation
WALLTITE® insulating air barrier system has pass the ASTM E 2357 Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies test and is approved by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). WALLTITE® also meets air barrier requirements of the Commercial Energy Codes of Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Michigan. In Canada, WALLTITE® technologies have also passed the stringent Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) requirements for Insulation, Air Barrier Material and Air Barrier System.
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WALLTITE® ECO Insulating Air Barrier System
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The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory
WALLTITE® SPF Air Barrier in the sustainable Vancouver 2010 Olympic Village
WALLTITE® Insulating Air Barrier System
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Mike Holmes presents WALLTITE ECO®, the spray-applied purple insulation.
WALLTITE® closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation
BASF's custom-formulated rigid foams and glass sphere syntactic foams offer lower K-factor insulation, which is critical to maintaining oil flow with longer, more complex pipelines in deeper ocean environments. BASF cast and spray elastomers also improve pipe corrosion and abrasion resistance. For deep water applications, BASF offers a unique glass sphere syntactic foam that is capable of withstanding deep sea ocean pressure and higher oil temperatures while offering very low K-factor.
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300 meters deep and 30 hours at a stretch — no problem for Trident.
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We provide solutions tailored to fit your requirements, optimized and adjusted in our appliance lab to match your needs. Specific processing conditions are simulated and optimized, with the final products tested, applying international standards and manufacturers’ test procedures.
Related downloads
A structural insulated panel (SIP) includes a core of insulation sandwiched between two structural skins--usually made of wood or OSB. An insulated metal panel includes a core of insulation sandwiched between two diffusion-resistant metal skins. SIPs tend to be best suited for roof and wall elements in residential or light commercial construction, while IMPs are usually found in larger commercial and industrial construction and specialty applications such as cold storage facilities. IMPs are also sometimes used for residential construction in extremely cold climates.
There are three major differences. First, BASF uses the versatility of chemistry to offer a closed-cell content of greater than 90 percent for all of its roofing and air barrier formulations, and open-cell foams commonly used as insulation systems have approximately 60 percent open-cell content. Second, closed-cell foam offers an R-value of over 6.0 per inch and open cell offers between 3.0 and 3.9 per inch. Third, closed-cell foam is virtually impermeable to air, while most open-cell foams do not offer the air leakage performance required to qualify as an air barrier. However, open-cell foam is less expensive, and offers better sound absorption.
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WALLTITE ECO® Insulating Air Barrier System
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High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
Yes. There are many factors that contribute to the sustainability of SPF roofing systems. First, no tear-off of the existing roof is required in 98% of re-roofing applications, which diverts thousands of tons of waste from landfill. Second, they are extremely durable, offering industry-leading resistance to severe weather including wind uplift and impact from airborne debris. Third, they offer an extremely long life expectancy of 20 years or more, and are renewable indefinitely with simple recoats. And fourth, they make a significant contribution to building energy efficiency. One Texas A&M study showed the university was able to pay for the cost of their new SPF roofs in 4.5 years though energy savings! And when they are combined with reflective coatings, SPF roofing systems also help combat urban heat island effect and reduce smog.
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BASF polyurethane adhesives provide exceptional bonding to a wide variety of substrates, over a significant range of temperatures. They help cut time, labor, construction and assembly costs. They work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature range performance. Formulations can react to create the strongest possible adhesion to wood, or to bond other substrates such as EPS, OSB or specific metals.
BASF offers adhesives that are 100% solids, containing no solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
A recent BASF fast binder study compared the two formulas using aspen at a face/core/face ratio of 25/50/25, platen temperature of 210 C and 1% wax emulsion for all panels. Test panels included 7/16" (2.5% PMDI dosage), 23/32" and 1" (both 4.5% PMDI dosage). The results showed that Lupranate® M20FB reacts faster and gives stronger bonding. However, moisture content was found to be very important. FB with 4% MC was faster than SB, and FB with 6% MC improved performance.
Elastocast™ polyurethane elastomers have exceptional tensile, tear and elongation properties, which makes them an ideal solution for reinforcing building panels or metal construction of any kind. They're stable over wide ranging temperatures and can be made highly resilient to impact, abrasion, cutting or tearing. They also can be filled for additional physical properties and to lower system cost. Spray-applied elastomers are often used in composites to add strength, protection or aesthetics to other materials. Good elongation and anticorrosion properties make cast elastomers well-suited for pipe coatings. And formulations that require resilience and tear strength properties are ideal for molds and concrete stamps. You'll also find them being used on expansion joints in bridge construction, in rail applications for highway crossings and for rail spike adhesives.
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BASF elastomers can be molded to almost any size, shape and texture. This makes them well suited to producing everything from wristwatch straps to molds for simulated stone and outdoor decking to retail store mannequins.
Polyurethane is any polymer—a large molecule of repeating structural units—composed of a chain of organic units, joined by urethane links. It includes natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties. Polyurethanes are the most versatile of all the polymers and can be made liquid, rigid, pliable and stretchable, and can be spread, sprayed or molded.
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Doing it right with polyurethane insulation.
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BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
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The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
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The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
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For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
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Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
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Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
In the case of conventional hydro bearings, the rubber end stop, which is subject to high dynamic loads, can wear away through friction. This results in the bearing ceasing to work properly before its time. So the usable life of the hydro bearing needs to be extended without the component geometry being changed. This can be done using an end stop (clip) made of Cellasto®, which is extremely resistant to friction.
Related downloads
Whether they are designed to accept steel coil springs or to isolate pneumatic springs, isolators also have to absorb and isolate the bearing pressure of the spring aid and support bearing.
Related downloads
The run-flat-tire developed especially for BMW by BASF Polyurethanes ensures driving safety. This wheel in a wheel ensures a safe continuation of the journey even in cases of destroyed and pressure-less tires, even at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). When things get tight the Cellasto® wheel assumes the supporting function of the tires.
Related downloads
Polyurethane helps reduce vehicle weight without sacrificing strength and durability. BASF's innovative polyurethane composite systems are being used to reduce the weight of load floors in a variety of vehicle types and platforms. From incredibly thin honeycomb cores encapsulated in LFI (long-glass fiber injection) polyurethane, to rigid polyurethane foam cores sandwiched between hardboard skins, BASF offers an affordable solution for every load floor application.
Far stiffer than traditional polypropylene floors and far lighter than hardboard floors, load floors made with polyurethane composites take mass out of your vehicles while improving strength.
In addition, the design flexibility offered by polyurethane helps enhance aerodynamics and reduce the weight of mudguards, bumpers, door sills, spoilers, hoods, wing mirror housings and roof modules.
This microcellular polyurethane elastomer is used to create auxiliary springs, support bearings and chassis components. Its excellent characteristics ensure a reduction in NVH and a clear increase in comfort and road dynamics. BASF is the world leader in microcellular polyurethane components.
How do polyurethane-based composite parts compare with vinyl esters or polyesters?
BASF urethane composites add strength while reducing weight in all kinds of RV and ATV components. This includes better impact resistance, similar HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature) and 25% less weight than parts made of vinyl esters or polyesters. BASF composites also offer molding efficiencies, reduce emissions during molding and eliminate VOCs.
The density of these moldings range from 350 kg/m³ to 650 kg/m³ depending on the mass of material used. Their cell volume amounts to 63% to 50% of the molding volume. The cell diameter amounts to tenths of a millimeter and the cells can be open or closed depending on the density. Compression loads first compress the cell volume and later the material itself. It therefore becomes harder as compression increases.
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When dimensioning Cellasto® mouldings the so-called creep - compression increasing over time under constant load - must be taken into consideration.
Related downloads
Elastoskin® systems and Elastoflex® PUR foams boast lowest-in-class volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions—much lower than 100ppm—in any formulation, customized to your specifications.
Related products
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Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
TPUs for foam-in-place seats offer significant tear/cut/abrasion resistance, adhesion to fabric, barrier properties, low temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability.
Related downloads
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
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Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Cellasto® components are based on a cellular polyurethane elastomer. The molded components are produced in a closed-mold foaming process. They are high resilient spring- and damping elements with the following characteristics: high compressibility, low compression set, very good static and dynamic long-run behavior, wide application area from -30°C to +80°C ambient temperature and excellent durability and chemical resistance.
Related downloads
The outstanding features of Cellasto® are:
- Low compression set
- High volume compressibility with minimum lateral expression
- Excellent mechanical properties & durability
- Highly versatile - noise isolation at small amplitude & high frequency; vibration isolation at large amplitude & low frequency
- Abrasion resistant
- Resistant to ozone, oils, greases and other aliphatic hydrocarbons
Compact elastomers such as rubber, for instance, respond to compression with high lateral expansion. Cellular polyurethane elastomers, however, only create very low lateral expansion.
Related downloads
Like all other elastomers, Cellasto® components gradually harden as temperature goes down.
Related downloads
Yes. For many applications in the NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) area, low damping with small amplitudes and high frequencies is essential for improved isolation.
Related downloads
The pneumatic spring is reduced in size in accordance with the load taken on by the spring aid. Because of Cellasto®'s negligible lateral expansion, the flow holes are not closed - even if the spring aids deflect to the maximum. Cellasto® spring aids have sufficient emergency operation properties and can take over all of the suspension work should the pneumatic spring fail.
Related downloads
Whether they are designed to accept steel coil springs or to isolate pneumatic springs, isolators also have to absorb and isolate the bearing pressure of the spring aid and support bearing.
Related downloads
Polyurethane requires less time to cure and eliminates the need for fiberglass lay-up, so cycle times are reduced and higher volume production is possible. That gives manufacturers a clear advantage over older technologies. In addition, overall strength and quality is improved.
Mounts exposed to a low torsional load can be designed as almost pure tension-compression bearings.
Related downloads
In the case of conventional hydro bearings, the rubber end stop, which is subject to high dynamic loads, can wear away through friction. This results in the bearing ceasing to work properly before its time. So the usable life of the hydro bearing needs to be extended without the component geometry being changed. This can be done using an end stop (clip) made of Cellasto®, which is extremely resistant to friction.
Related downloads
Lupranate® isocyanate composites offer strong internal bond and excellent water resistance. Our Lupranate® M20FB binder also gives the producer the option to increase productivity by reducing press cycle times because the binder sets up faster.
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Lupranate® Prepolymers (Quasi-)
Lupranate® Polymeric MDI Blends and Derivatives
Lupranate® Monomeric MDI Product Line
For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
Related downloads
Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature-range performance. They help cut time, labor, manufacturing and assembly costs. Our adhesives also work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
There are many factors to improving ergonomics in heavy trucks, and polyurethanes contribute in many areas. Acoustic foams minimize road and engine noise, creating a comfortable working environment for the driver, while sound deadening carpet underlay keeps road noises from penetrating the cockpit. For a firm and secure grip that is comfortable for miles on end, big rig steering wheels are made with Elastofoam® integral skin.
Long distance professional drivers need seats and bedding that are comfortable and durable, as well as supportive to reduce ergonomic strain. Elastoflex® provides exceptional support and resiliency, so it’s as comfortable on the first mile as it is on the last. The sleeping cabin is the driver’s home on the road and has to be comfortable, attractive and secure.
BASF polyurethane composites incorporated into the walls ensures sleeper cabins are well insulated from weather and noise. Incorporating Elastoskin® plus Elastoflex® provides truck designers with the flexibility to create warm, comfortable and durable cabin walls in almost any color, grain or texture using a single, in-mold process.
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BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
Related downloads
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
The combination of a fine, closed cell structure and its special designed chemistry give Elastocool® the outstanding mechanical and physical properties required when the energy efficiency requirements of thermal insulation applications are extremely demanding. Elastocool® technology has been developed to enhance its processability, flow characteristics, and gel and demoulding time. The K-factor and density distribution are also improved, as well as the mechanical properties of the final product.
BASF has the right Elastocool® technology for thermal insulation solutions depending on a manufacturer's processing requirements, such as viscosity, fill and curing rates, to meet current and future energy requirements and environmental challenges.
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BASF polyurethane has been installed at depths of 9,627 feet—the deepest sub-sea insulated flowline installed in the world to date. Even at those levels, it offers excellent temperature and hydrolysis resistance with very low water absorption.
BASF Elastocoat® polyurea elastomeric protective coatings are custom-engineered for low temperature elongation and high temperature tensile strength. When spray applied, they create a resilient and seamless membrane coating which is highly impermeable to water, corrosive chemicals and solvents and weather extremes.
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Elastocoat®: seals secondary containments
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dallas Independent School District
BASF and Clinton Climate Initiative help Pennsylvania nonprofit retrofit green jobs training center
Polyurethane and polyurea protective coatings
BASF North America Headquarters and SPF Roofing
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High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
Two-component, closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam (SPF) air barriers offer an air permeance rating of 0.000025 l/s.m2 @ 75 Pa (at 0.5-inch thickness), combined with an R-value of 6.7 per inch. A single application gives you air barrier, vapor barrier and insulation in one system.
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The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory
WALLTITE® SPF Air Barrier in the sustainable Vancouver 2010 Olympic Village
WALLTITE® Insulating Air Barrier System
Related videos
Mike Holmes presents WALLTITE ECO®, the spray-applied purple insulation
WALLTITE® closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation
WALLTITE® insulating air barrier system has pass the ASTM E 2357 Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies test and is approved by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). WALLTITE® also meets air barrier requirements of the Commercial Energy Codes of Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Michigan. In Canada, WALLTITE® technologies have also passed the stringent Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) requirements for Insulation, Air Barrier Material and Air Barrier System.
Related products
WALLTITE® ECO Insulating Air Barrier System
Related downloads
The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory
WALLTITE® SPF Air Barrier in the sustainable Vancouver 2010 Olympic Village
WALLTITE® Insulating Air Barrier System
Related videos
Mike Holmes presents WALLTITE ECO®, the spray-applied purple insulation.
WALLTITE® closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation
BASF's custom-formulated rigid foams and glass sphere syntactic foams offer lower K-factor insulation, which is critical to maintaining oil flow with longer, more complex pipelines in deeper ocean environments. BASF cast and spray elastomers also improve pipe corrosion and abrasion resistance. For deep water applications, BASF offers a unique glass sphere syntactic foam that is capable of withstanding deep sea ocean pressure and higher oil temperatures while offering very low K-factor.
Related downloads
300 meters deep and 30 hours at a stretch — no problem for Trident.
Related videos
We provide solutions tailored to fit your requirements, optimized and adjusted in our appliance lab to match your needs. Specific processing conditions are simulated and optimized, with the final products tested, applying international standards and manufacturers’ test procedures.
Related downloads
A structural insulated panel (SIP) includes a core of insulation sandwiched between two structural skins--usually made of wood or OSB. An insulated metal panel includes a core of insulation sandwiched between two diffusion-resistant metal skins. SIPs tend to be best suited for roof and wall elements in residential or light commercial construction, while IMPs are usually found in larger commercial and industrial construction and specialty applications such as cold storage facilities. IMPs are also sometimes used for residential construction in extremely cold climates.
There are three major differences. First, BASF uses the versatility of chemistry to offer a closed-cell content of greater than 90 percent for all of its roofing and air barrier formulations, and open-cell foams commonly used as insulation systems have approximately 60 percent open-cell content. Second, closed-cell foam offers an R-value of over 6.0 per inch and open cell offers between 3.0 and 3.9 per inch. Third, closed-cell foam is virtually impermeable to air, while most open-cell foams do not offer the air leakage performance required to qualify as an air barrier. However, open-cell foam is less expensive, and offers better sound absorption.
Related products
WALLTITE ECO® Insulating Air Barrier System
Related videos
High-density polyurethane foams used for these applications offer a low H2O absorption rate and moisture-resistance (water absorption rate under 1% by volume) that does not attract mold, fungus, rot or insects. And because it is designed for low maintenance, BASF high density foam can take varying temperatures and climates and maintain appearance.
Yes. There are many factors that contribute to the sustainability of SPF roofing systems. First, no tear-off of the existing roof is required in 98% of re-roofing applications, which diverts thousands of tons of waste from landfill. Second, they are extremely durable, offering industry-leading resistance to severe weather including wind uplift and impact from airborne debris. Third, they offer an extremely long life expectancy of 20 years or more, and are renewable indefinitely with simple recoats. And fourth, they make a significant contribution to building energy efficiency. One Texas A&M study showed the university was able to pay for the cost of their new SPF roofs in 4.5 years though energy savings! And when they are combined with reflective coatings, SPF roofing systems also help combat urban heat island effect and reduce smog.
Related downloads
Related videos
BASF polyurethane adhesives provide exceptional bonding to a wide variety of substrates, over a significant range of temperatures. They help cut time, labor, construction and assembly costs. They work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature range performance. Formulations can react to create the strongest possible adhesion to wood, or to bond other substrates such as EPS, OSB or specific metals.
BASF offers adhesives that are 100% solids, containing no solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
A recent BASF fast binder study compared the two formulas using aspen at a face/core/face ratio of 25/50/25, platen temperature of 210 C and 1% wax emulsion for all panels. Test panels included 7/16" (2.5% PMDI dosage), 23/32" and 1" (both 4.5% PMDI dosage). The results showed that Lupranate® M20FB reacts faster and gives stronger bonding. However, moisture content was found to be very important. FB with 4% MC was faster than SB, and FB with 6% MC improved performance.
Elastocast™ polyurethane elastomers have exceptional tensile, tear and elongation properties, which makes them an ideal solution for reinforcing building panels or metal construction of any kind. They're stable over wide ranging temperatures and can be made highly resilient to impact, abrasion, cutting or tearing. They also can be filled for additional physical properties and to lower system cost. Spray-applied elastomers are often used in composites to add strength, protection or aesthetics to other materials. Good elongation and anticorrosion properties make cast elastomers well-suited for pipe coatings. And formulations that require resilience and tear strength properties are ideal for molds and concrete stamps. You'll also find them being used on expansion joints in bridge construction, in rail applications for highway crossings and for rail spike adhesives.
Related products
BASF elastomers can be molded to almost any size, shape and texture. This makes them well suited to producing everything from wristwatch straps to molds for simulated stone and outdoor decking to retail store mannequins.
Polyurethane is any polymer—a large molecule of repeating structural units—composed of a chain of organic units, joined by urethane links. It includes natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties. Polyurethanes are the most versatile of all the polymers and can be made liquid, rigid, pliable and stretchable, and can be spread, sprayed or molded.
Related downloads
Doing it right with polyurethane insulation.
Related videos
BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
Related downloads
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
Related downloads
Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
Related videos
Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
In the case of conventional hydro bearings, the rubber end stop, which is subject to high dynamic loads, can wear away through friction. This results in the bearing ceasing to work properly before its time. So the usable life of the hydro bearing needs to be extended without the component geometry being changed. This can be done using an end stop (clip) made of Cellasto®, which is extremely resistant to friction.
Related downloads
Whether they are designed to accept steel coil springs or to isolate pneumatic springs, isolators also have to absorb and isolate the bearing pressure of the spring aid and support bearing.
Related downloads
The run-flat-tire developed especially for BMW by BASF Polyurethanes ensures driving safety. This wheel in a wheel ensures a safe continuation of the journey even in cases of destroyed and pressure-less tires, even at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). When things get tight the Cellasto® wheel assumes the supporting function of the tires.
Related downloads
Polyurethane helps reduce vehicle weight without sacrificing strength and durability. BASF's innovative polyurethane composite systems are being used to reduce the weight of load floors in a variety of vehicle types and platforms. From incredibly thin honeycomb cores encapsulated in LFI (long-glass fiber injection) polyurethane, to rigid polyurethane foam cores sandwiched between hardboard skins, BASF offers an affordable solution for every load floor application.
Far stiffer than traditional polypropylene floors and far lighter than hardboard floors, load floors made with polyurethane composites take mass out of your vehicles while improving strength.
In addition, the design flexibility offered by polyurethane helps enhance aerodynamics and reduce the weight of mudguards, bumpers, door sills, spoilers, hoods, wing mirror housings and roof modules.
This microcellular polyurethane elastomer is used to create auxiliary springs, support bearings and chassis components. Its excellent characteristics ensure a reduction in NVH and a clear increase in comfort and road dynamics. BASF is the world leader in microcellular polyurethane components.
How do polyurethane-based composite parts compare with vinyl esters or polyesters?
BASF urethane composites add strength while reducing weight in all kinds of RV and ATV components. This includes better impact resistance, similar HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature) and 25% less weight than parts made of vinyl esters or polyesters. BASF composites also offer molding efficiencies, reduce emissions during molding and eliminate VOCs.
The density of these moldings range from 350 kg/m³ to 650 kg/m³ depending on the mass of material used. Their cell volume amounts to 63% to 50% of the molding volume. The cell diameter amounts to tenths of a millimeter and the cells can be open or closed depending on the density. Compression loads first compress the cell volume and later the material itself. It therefore becomes harder as compression increases.
Related downloads
When dimensioning Cellasto® mouldings the so-called creep - compression increasing over time under constant load - must be taken into consideration.
Related downloads
Elastoskin® systems and Elastoflex® PUR foams boast lowest-in-class volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions—much lower than 100ppm—in any formulation, customized to your specifications.
Related products
Related videos
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
TPUs for foam-in-place seats offer significant tear/cut/abrasion resistance, adhesion to fabric, barrier properties, low temperature flexibility, hydrolytic stability, resistance to weathering and color stability.
Related downloads
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Related videos
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Cellasto® components are based on a cellular polyurethane elastomer. The molded components are produced in a closed-mold foaming process. They are high resilient spring- and damping elements with the following characteristics: high compressibility, low compression set, very good static and dynamic long-run behavior, wide application area from -30°C to +80°C ambient temperature and excellent durability and chemical resistance.
Related downloads
The outstanding features of Cellasto® are:
- Low compression set
- High volume compressibility with minimum lateral expression
- Excellent mechanical properties & durability
- Highly versatile - noise isolation at small amplitude & high frequency; vibration isolation at large amplitude & low frequency
- Abrasion resistant
- Resistant to ozone, oils, greases and other aliphatic hydrocarbons
Compact elastomers such as rubber, for instance, respond to compression with high lateral expansion. Cellular polyurethane elastomers, however, only create very low lateral expansion.
Related downloads
Like all other elastomers, Cellasto® components gradually harden as temperature goes down.
Related downloads
Yes. For many applications in the NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) area, low damping with small amplitudes and high frequencies is essential for improved isolation.
Related downloads
The pneumatic spring is reduced in size in accordance with the load taken on by the spring aid. Because of Cellasto®'s negligible lateral expansion, the flow holes are not closed - even if the spring aids deflect to the maximum. Cellasto® spring aids have sufficient emergency operation properties and can take over all of the suspension work should the pneumatic spring fail.
Related downloads
Whether they are designed to accept steel coil springs or to isolate pneumatic springs, isolators also have to absorb and isolate the bearing pressure of the spring aid and support bearing.
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Polyurethane requires less time to cure and eliminates the need for fiberglass lay-up, so cycle times are reduced and higher volume production is possible. That gives manufacturers a clear advantage over older technologies. In addition, overall strength and quality is improved.
Mounts exposed to a low torsional load can be designed as almost pure tension-compression bearings.
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In the case of conventional hydro bearings, the rubber end stop, which is subject to high dynamic loads, can wear away through friction. This results in the bearing ceasing to work properly before its time. So the usable life of the hydro bearing needs to be extended without the component geometry being changed. This can be done using an end stop (clip) made of Cellasto®, which is extremely resistant to friction.
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Lupranate® isocyanate composites offer strong internal bond and excellent water resistance. Our Lupranate® M20FB binder also gives the producer the option to increase productivity by reducing press cycle times because the binder sets up faster.
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Lupranate® Prepolymers (Quasi-)
Lupranate® Polymeric MDI Blends and Derivatives
Lupranate® Monomeric MDI Product Line
For air infiltration, we recommend Lupranate® M20 or R2500. For tanks and pipes, we recommend Lupranate® MI, MM103, 5080, 5143 or T80. For gasketing, we recommend Lupranate® MP 102, 5030, 5040 or 5050.
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Ford, BASF Team Up with Auto Industry's First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus
The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
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Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
Cockpit ambience: How polyurethanes contribute to automotive design
Wide-ranging one- and two-component formulas are available, based on physical property or processing needs. Adhesives can be made to a range of hardness, elasticity, water or chemical resistance, or wide temperature-range performance. They help cut time, labor, manufacturing and assembly costs. Our adhesives also work well with other BASF polyurethane chemistries and are available with the same industry-leading technical service support.
There are many factors to improving ergonomics in heavy trucks, and polyurethanes contribute in many areas. Acoustic foams minimize road and engine noise, creating a comfortable working environment for the driver, while sound deadening carpet underlay keeps road noises from penetrating the cockpit. For a firm and secure grip that is comfortable for miles on end, big rig steering wheels are made with Elastofoam® integral skin.
Long distance professional drivers need seats and bedding that are comfortable and durable, as well as supportive to reduce ergonomic strain. Elastoflex® provides exceptional support and resiliency, so it’s as comfortable on the first mile as it is on the last. The sleeping cabin is the driver’s home on the road and has to be comfortable, attractive and secure.
BASF polyurethane composites incorporated into the walls ensures sleeper cabins are well insulated from weather and noise. Incorporating Elastoskin® plus Elastoflex® provides truck designers with the flexibility to create warm, comfortable and durable cabin walls in almost any color, grain or texture using a single, in-mold process.
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BASF has developed spray sealants formulated to meet virtually any manufacturing need. With our elastomers, you're adding a durable, long-lasting protective finish to your product, while taking the first step in providing a durable, long-lasting relationship with your customer.
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The middle class car goes up in the world
Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project
Strong as a Porsche - soft as PU
Now You See it...Now You Don't
The new BMW GT — beautiful inside and out
Dream team: the new Ford Taurus and Elastoskin®.
One part science, one part innovation, three parts commitment
Down in the dust or up with the winners?
Skin Tight: The new Mercedes SLK has become the first model to use a polyurethane-moulded skin in series production
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Cellasto®: Polyurethanes for the automotive industry
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The combination of a fine, closed cell structure and its special designed chemistry give Elastocool® the outstanding mechanical and physical properties required when the energy efficiency requirements of thermal insulation applications are extremely demanding. Elastocool® technology has been developed to enhance its processability, flow characteristics, and gel and demoulding time. The K-factor and density distribution are also improved, as well as the mechanical properties of the final product.
BASF has the right Elastocool® technology for thermal insulation solutions depending on a manufacturer's processing requirements, such as viscosity, fill and curing rates, to meet current and future energy requirements and environmental challenges.
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BASF polyurethane has been installed at depths of 9,627 feet—the deepest sub-sea insulated flowline installed in the world to date. Even at those levels, it offers excellent temperature and hydrolysis resistance with very low water absorption.
BASF Elastocoat® polyurea elastomeric protective coatings are custom-engineered for low temperature elongation and high temperature tensile strength. When spray applied, they create a resilient and seamless membrane coating which is highly impermeable to water, corrosive chemicals and solvents and weather extremes.
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Elastocoat®: seals secondary containments
Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dallas Independent School District
BASF and Clinton Climate Initiative help Pennsylvania nonprofit retrofit green jobs training center
Polyurethane and polyurea protective coatings
BASF North America Headquarters and SPF Roofing