Benefits of TPU Elastollan®
- Abrasion and wear resistance
- Outstanding cold resistance
- Very low stiffening between -20°C and + 20°C
- Lightweight
- Hydrolysis resistance
- UV stabilization
- High modulus
Performance Polymers
TPU Elastollan® for High‑Performance Ski Boots and Winter Sports
TPU Elastollan® for winter sports is BASF’s high‑quality thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), used where lightness, low-temperature-resistance, and performance is required. Depending on the selected TPU grade, Elastollan® for winter sports can combine impact resistance with exceptional tensile strength, enhancing mechanical performance.
Which TPU Elastollan® grades are suitable for winter sports?
In winter sports, materials are exposed to extreme mechanical and environmental conditions. Low temperatures, high impact forces and the need for precise power transmission require exceptional ski boot components.
With TPU Elastollan®, BASF offers a proven thermoplastic polyurethane specifically designed to excel in demanding winter sports conditions. TPU Elastollan® combines excellent cold flexibility, high impact resistance, and outstanding mechanical performance across wide temperature ranges. The specific grade selection depends on regulatory and performance requirements.
For winter sports, the most commonly used TPU Elastollan® grades include:
- Ether-based TPU grades for very good cold flexibility and excellent mechanical properties – Elastollan® 12 series
- Ester-based TPU grades for semi hydrolysis resistance and cost efficiency – Elastollan® B series
- High stiffness and impact-modified TPU grades (ether-based) for reduced wall thickness and lighter designs – Elastollan® 11 series
- High stiffness and impact-modified TPU grades (ester-based) for reduced wall thickness and lighter designs – Elastollan® BCF series
Explore our TPU Elastollan® portfolio for winter sports
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What are typical application areas for TPU Elastollan® in winter sports?
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FAQ
Q: Why is TPU a suitable material for ski boots and winter sports equipment?
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines flexibility, strength, and impact resistance, even at very low temperatures. These properties are essential for ski boots, where materials must withstand cold environments, high mechanical loads, and repeated flexing without becoming brittle or losing performance.
Q: What makes TPU Elastollan® different from other TPU materials for winter sports?
Elastollan® is BASF’s proven TPU portfolio with specifically tailored grades for winter sports. It offers excellent cold flexibility, high impact resistance and high stiffness, low temperature stiffening, and consistent mechanical performance from room temperature down to –30 °C, making it ideal for demanding ski boot applications.
Q: Is TPU Elastollan® suitable for extremely low temperatures?
Yes. TPU Elastollan® maintains flexibility and toughness at temperatures well below –20 °C. Selected grades are engineered to show minimal stiffening and outstanding cold impact resistance, ensuring reliable performance in alpine and competitive winter sports environments.
Q: Which TPU grade is best for performance ski boots?
For performance ski boots, TPU Elastollan® 11 series (polyether‑based TPU) is especially suitable. It provides high stiffness for precise power transmission while retaining very good cold flexibility and hydrolysis resistance.
Q: Can TPU Elastollan® be used for lightweight or thin‑wall ski boot designs?
Yes. Modified TPU Elastollan® grades enable reduced wall thickness without compromising mechanical strength or impact resistance. This allows manufacturers to design lighter ski boots while maintaining durability and performance in cold conditions.
Q: Are there transparent TPU solutions for ski boot designs?
Yes. The TPU Elastollan® 12 series is designed for transparent ski boots. These grades offer high transparency, UV stability, good cold flexibility, and a broad processing window, even at increased shell thicknesses.
Q: Which TPU grades are suitable for rental or high‑volume ski boots?
The TPU Elastollan® B series (polyester‑based TPU) is ideal for standard and rental ski boots. It combines good mechanical properties, adequate cold flexibility, short cycle times, and cost‑efficient processing for high‑volume production.
Q: Does TPU Elastollan® support sustainable and next‑generation ski boot concepts?
Yes. New developments such as TPU Elastollan® BCF focus on improved cold impact resistance, lightweight design, and eco‑conscious material concepts. These grades support the development of next‑generation, more sustainable ski boots.