Novomer Inc., a sustainable materials company offering a family of high-performance polymers and other chemicals from renewable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide (CO2), has announced the commercial introduction of Converge polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polyols for use in polyurethane formulations targeted at adhesive, coatings, sealants, elastomers, and rigid and flexible foams. The company's initial product offerings – 1000 and 2000 molecular weight grades – are manufactured at a multi-thousand-ton commercial-scale toll facility in Houston, Texas.
In terms of performance, Novomer's Converge polyols have a unique polycarbonate backbone which increases the strength and durability of polyurethane products. Incorporating these new polyols into existing formulations yields foams with higher tensile and tear strength, and increased load bearing capacity; adhesives and coatings with improved adhesion, cohesive strength, and weatherability; and elastomers with greater tensile and flexural strength.
In addition, the high CO2 content enabled by Novomer's proprietary technology produces polyols with a calorific content (heat of combustion) that is 40 percent to 50 percent lower than conventional polyether, polyester, and polycarbonate polyols. This inherent feature is especially important in polyurethane applications that must meet strict flammability requirements.
