Covestro develops sustainable cast elastomer solution for the offshore industry

German materials firm Covestro has developed polyurethane elastomers based on so-called cardyon brand polyols, which contain CO2 and offer the same good performance as corresponding petrochemical-based elastomers. A new technology from Covestro makes it possible to produce these precursors from carbon dioxide in a proportion of up to 20% by weight, thereby replacing some of the fossil raw materials used up to now. The development contributes to recycling carbon and underlines Covestro’s intention to focus all its activities on the Circular Economy.

In its search for a more sustainable solution for the offshore industry, moulding company Polarttech opted for a Desmodur elastomer system containing cardyon polyols. This cast polyurethane elastomer offers the following advantages:

• The part produced with this system shows good hydrolysis resistance, as expected from such an offshore application, and is more durable than other elastomers such as rubber.

• The polyurethane system enables the production of elastomers with high-performance or even better mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tear resistance than corresponding conventional cast polyurethane systems made from fossil raw materials.
• The solution offers the possibility to reduce the carbon footprint and dependence on fossil raw materials.

“The use of CO2 in chemical raw materials is a groundbreaking innovation that is in perfect harmony with our vision of recycling,” comments Thomas Braig, Head of Covestro Elastomers. “What is important to us, of course, is a successful application in practical use. We are pleased when manufacturers choose this sustainable solution, and appreciate the trust they place in our innovations, especially in our Desmodur elastomer system, which contains cardyon polyols.”

“Our goal is to provide our customers with the quality products they need,” adds Arthur Brouwers, CTO of Polarttech. “The tests we conducted confirmed both the property profiles and the processing conditions of the system developed by Covestro.”

The newly developed solution are said to surpass Polarttech’s previous system in terms of resilience and abrasion resistance. Moreover, its processing is easier thanks to a long pot life and excellent detaching when the part is demoulded.