BASF SE is improving the process for manufacturing its polyether polyol, traded under the brand Lupranol, in order to reduce emissions for car components.
The materials will be used in car components which are made of BASF polyurethane systems and average reduction in aldehyde emissions could be up to 20 percent.
In a statement on July 24, the German chemicals producer the new technology will allow automotive suppliers, including manufacturers of acoustic parts, seats and steering wheels or back-foam instrument panels, to meet the requirements for lower emissions of volatile organic compounds in vehicle interiors.
BASF changed production process at its Asian production sites at the beginning of 2017, and modification is now being made in Europe, with US plants to follow during the course of this year.
Alongside isocyanate, polyol is the starting product for polyurethane foam systems.
The emissions have been optimized by improving the cleaning and finishing processes of Lupranol in such a way that the mechanical properties of the material remain unchanged during the following foam and processing steps.
According to BASF, the new grades can replace older ones immediately without further tests.
BASF markets the PU systems for flexible, semi-rigid and integral foams under the trademarks Elastoflex W, Elastoflex E and Elastofoam I.