High Performance Polyurethanes systems formulated using polyester and polyether/polyurea-hybrid polyols have been introduced by Innovative Polymers. Each base resin produces a series of materials with a distinct set of handling and performance characteristics.

Both product families are easy to process, cure at temperatures below 150ºF and exhibit excellent physical characteristics including high elongation and high tear strengths (Figure 1). Many of the new polyurethanes exhibit outstanding resistance to gouging, cutting and abrasive wear. They also offer good chemical and solvent resistance. The materials are pourable at room temperature for easy processing via hand or automated dispensing.

The new materials, which are ideal for use in molding components for amusement park rides, oil/gas/mining equipment and paper/welding/printing machines, form two product series:

• HP-1000 Series: Polyester polyol-based polyurethanes are Shore A hardness systems with easy to mix 1:2 resin:hardener mix ratios and gel times of less than 25 minutes at room temperature. Elongations range from 660% to 800% with tear strengths of up to 325 pli.
• HP-2100 Series: The polyether/polyurea polyol hybrids family includes three Shore A systems and a Shore D material. All of the products are tough with excellent abrasion resistance (as low as 3 mg loss), elongations from 280% to 990% and tear strengths up to 643 pli.

Material processing recommendations are available for all products in this new High Performance line.

Fig. 1 Typical Properties of High Performance Polyurethanes