Bayer MaterialScience AG has developed new high-solids, 60% polyurethane dispersions for use in textile coating, all of which are free of organic co-solvents, thickeners and external emulsifiers. The new high-solids dispersions offer end-users a number of advantages over the traditional polyurethane dispersions with solids contents of 35%-50%. Above all, thicker coats can be produced in one application, significantly reducing costs through higher machine utilisation and lower energy consumption.

Impranil DLU is a polyurethane based on polycarbonate polytetramethylene glycol (PC-PTMG), which is noted for its high resistance properties. The product is compatible with the additives normally used in textile coating and was developed for the production of high-grade coatings.

The other three products are further developments of existing grades with a higher solids content of 60%. Impranil LP RSC 1380 can be used for the production of fashionable coatings and for the finishing of nonwovens.

Apart from its higher solids content, the product properties are similar to those of Impranil DLN. Impranil LP RSC 1537 (its properties correspond to those of Impranil DLP-R) was developed primarily for the production of upholstery materials, car seats, sports goods and other technical products. It is suitable for use as an anchor coat and constitutes an alternative to solvent-based products. Impranil LP RSC 1554, whose properties largely correspond to those of Impranil DLS, is particularly suitable for mechanical foaming and for the production of fashionable articles and garments. All the new dispersions are non-reactive, but can be co-crosslinked either with suitable melamine resins or water-dispersible polyisocyanates to improve their fastness properties.