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Chemicals & Polymers Blog

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5 Key Facts about HQEE

HQEE is the premier diol chain extender for MDI-based polyurethane elastomers. Compared to 1,4-butanediol, the workhorse of the industry, HQEE-MDI based polyurethanes exhibit a higher hard-block melt temperature, superior tensile properties, split-tear resistance, hardness and rigidity, resiliency, low hysteresis, and enhanced thermal aging performance. 

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The Benefits of Narrow Molecular Weight Distribution (MWD) Polyols in Polyurethanes

The Daicel N-series of polyols, offered worldwide by Gantrade, is a family of Innovative, very narrow molecular weight distribution polycaprolactone polyols. Key features and benefits of this unique low MWD series of polycaprolactone polyols for polyurethanes include the following:

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Making the CASE for Polyurethane Elastomers: Polyether Polyols vs. Polyester Polyols

Formulators of coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers (CASE), as well as makers of foams and elastic fiber applications, utilize a diverse family of polyols to meet specifications for product performance. These polyols include polytetramethylene ether glycols (PTMEG), polypropylene glycols (PPG), adipate- and phthalate-based polyesters, polycaprolactone polyols, and polycarbonate polyols.

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PTMEG: Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol

Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) is the premier polyether polyol used worldwide in the manufacture of high-performance polyurethane elastomers. Known for its many performance attributes and processing advantages, PTMEG is used in a variety of applications across multiple industries. These applications include polyurethane resins, prepolymers, coatings, adhesives, cast polyurethane resins, spandex fibers, and more.

Gantrade Corporation is a leading supplier of PTMEG, with strategic supply for global distribution to Europe, Asia, and North America. For decades, Gantrade has been the supplier of choice to the world’s most technically demanding manufacturers, consistently meeting their needs for high performance polyurethane products.

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Aliphatic vs Aromatic Polyols

All polyol classes used in polyurethanes have a set of unique attributes that make them useful as the soft-segment in specific polyurethane elastomer applications.  Selecting the best polyol for a specific formula can be the difference between making a high-quality product or one that’s low-performing. The key for proper material selection is a good understanding of the inherent characteristics of each polyol chemistry. 

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Polyurethane Foam: A Versatile Material with Many Applications

At Gantrade, we provide the components essential to the manufacture of polyurethane foam, a material with a broad universe of industry applications.

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Biodegradable Polycaprolactone Urethane Elastomers

Polycaprolactone polyols have received significant attention as the soft segment of biodegradable and biocompatible polyurethane elastomers.   There are a few key advantages formulators gain through using polycaprolactone polyols,  including the ability to engineer the specified mechanical properties, processing characteristics, and degradation kinetics that are required within various applications.

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The Chemistry of Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings

What is a polyurethane coating technology? Polyurethanes have long been known to produce coatings that exhibit high toughness, abrasion resistance, enhanced aesthetics, and durability. 

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Bio-Based Polyester Polyols for Performance Polyurethane Elastomers

The rising demand for “green,” bio-sourced raw materials and intermediates originates from the concept of sustainability. In our industry, sustainability is about employing materials that are safe, efficient to use and derived from renewable resources. 

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High Performance Cast Polyurethane Elastomers based on PTMEG, MDI, and BDO

Cast polyurethane elastomers based on 1,4-butanediol (BDO)-extended MDI systems using PTMEG as the soft segment are among the most useful polyurethane materials, offering cost and performance advantages.  We see these elastomers used in a myriad of diverse cast urethane applications including wheels, heavy duty casters and tires for lift trucks, mowers; and all-terrain vehicles; industrial belts, wiper blades, and chute liners; pipe, hose, pump components, and tank liners used in abrasive service; mining, power, and oil-field equipment such as gaskets, valves, hydro cyclones, screens, and flotation parts; athletic shoes, boots and recreational equipment; and medical devices.

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