Low-Density Integral Systems

Ravago Petrokimya Üretim A.Ş. manufactures thermoplastic elastomers, engineering plastics, silicone elastomers, EPS, thermoplastic polyurethane and polyurethane systems. Tekpol, the polyurethane systems division within Ravago Petrokimya Üretim A.Ş., primarily produces rigid polyurethane systems, discontinuous panel (DCP) polyurethane systems, continuous panel (CP) polyurethane systems, spray polyurethane systems, flexible polyurethane systems, molded flexible polyurethane systems, molded foam systems, integral skin systems, viscoelastics, semi-rigid products, RIM, filter systems, shoe and sole systems, C.A.S.E (coatings – additives – sealants – elastomers) polyurethane systems and polyurea systems. As a new development under the Tekpol umbrella at Ravago Petrokimya Üretim A.Ş., work on a low-density integral system has been completed and the system has been introduced to the market. This system is a two-component system in our inventory with product codes as follows: • 4732-140 (natural) and 4732-141 (black) polyol system, • Isocyanate S 270. The low-density integral system has been specifically designed to consolidate and fulfill all requests from different customers at a common point. The main properties that provide advantages with this system are: • Low density, • Strong waterproof skin, • High wear resistance, • Impact absorption property, • 0% permanent deformation, • High elasticity. Additionally, flame retardants and blowing-agent-free polyols are optionally prepared according to customer requirements. As seen in Figure-1, product color is prepared according to demand.

Figure-1: Hand-cast sample specimens prepared under laboratory conditions

The advantages provided by the low-density integral system are summarized in the table below as technical data.

Table-1 Technical Properties

As shown in Table-1, our low-density integral system can be reduced to molded densities of 180 kg/m³ while maintaining skin properties and showing no pulling or problems. These laboratory values were recorded at 240°C in a 3000 RPM mixer. In addition to these values, the mechanical properties of the system are shown in Table-2. These tests were performed in a conditioned laboratory at the Ravago R&D Center using a Zwick Roell device.

Table-2 Mechanical Properties

As seen in Table-1 and Table-2, when the low-density polyurethane integral system is evaluated in terms of both technical and mechanical properties, the performance it exhibits is quite high. Compared to the skin, the interior cells, which have 9 times larger cells, greatly contribute to product flexibility, enabling it to return completely to its original form after prolonged impacts. When the produced material is examined, it features a robust skin on the outside that can optionally be thickened and a soft interior structure, providing comfortable feel in the areas where it is used.

Figure-2: Skin and interior cell structures

Low-density integral systems, which can be used in many applications from dental and disabled chairs to furniture, from automotive interiors to office equipment, have been developed at the Ravago Petrokimya R&D Center and are presented as a quality polyurethane system that meets the expectations of our customers and end users.   Erdi Yenice R&D Engineer Ravago Petrokimya Üretim A.Ş.