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By Michael Lauzon
CORRESPONDENT
Published: June 4, 2014 9:30 am ET
Updated: June 4, 2014 9:32 am ET
Novomer Inc. says it has improved the sustainability of polyols by making them from waste carbon dioxide.
The Waltham, Mass., company says its Converge polyols are polypropylene types targeted for polyurethanes in elastomers, rigid and flexible foams and coatings. Initial grades have molecular weights of 1,000 and 2,000 and are made in a commercial-size facility in Houston, Texas.
Converge products are based on copolymerizaton of waste carbon dioxide and epoxides with the resultant polyols comprising more than 40 percent by weight of carbon dioxide, giving Converge a low carbon footprint. Waste carbon dioxide is economical and makes Converge product manufacturing costs similar to those for conventional polyols
Converge is designed to replace petroleum-based polyether, polyester and polycarbonate polyols in PUR manufacture. The new materials provide higher tensile and tear strength and increased load-bearing capacity, according to Waltham, Mass.-based Novomer. | |
