engineered to innovate Lubrizol

EnginEErEd to innovatE

Lubrizol is one of the world’s leading producers of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), known for its Estane®, PearlthaneTM and PearlbondTM TPU brands. Romana Moares spoke to Jesus Santamaria, EMEAI business director for Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, about the company’s innovation and expansion into new markets.

Although most people have no idea what thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are, these materials are used in so many applications that an average person comes in contact with them several times a day. TPUs are highly versatile elastomers with unique properties that provide both superior performance and processing flexibility as compared to other materials. TPU is ideal for applications in a wide variety of markets, including footwear, adhesives and speciality moulding, and has been providing benefits to designers, manufacturers and end users for over 50 years.

Lubrizol is the company behind this unique material. TPU was invented by BF Goodrich, which later became Noveon and was then acquired by Lubrizol in 2004. “Originally, TPU was developed to find a suitable alternative to rubber in tires. Since then, the company has continued to innovate and tailor the material to meet the needs of a growing range of applications across many industries,” says Jesus Santamaria.

The Lubrizol Corporation, headquartered in Wickliffe, Ohio, USA employs more than 8000 people and serves customers in over 100 countries. The company has two business units. Lubrizol Additives, the legacy of the Lubrizol business, was founded in 1928 and continues as a pioneering global supplier of additive technologies for engine oils, driveline, fuels and industrial lubricants. Lubrizol Advanced Materials (of which Lubrizol Engineered Polymers is a part) is a leading global producer of speciality polymers and additives used in everyday consumer and industrial applications.

Dedicated market coverage

The thermoplastic elastomer products made by Lubrizol Engineered Polymers are used in agriculture, building and construction, consumer goods, surface protection, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), defence, geophysical, industrial, sports and recreation, transportation, and elecrical and electronics applications. The unique properties of these materials make them particularly well-suited for end uses such as conveyor belts, automotive body mouldings, livestock tags, roof under layers, laminates for safety glass, body armour, collapsible tanks, durable hoses, seals and gaskets, performance apparel, and speciality tubing. The company has many registered

trademarks including Estane® TPU, PearlthaneTM and PearlthaneTM ECO* TPU, PearlbondTM and PearlstickTM TPU, Isoplast® TPU and Stat-RiteTM TPU, among others.

“The technical scope and market coverage of Lubrizol’s business is very wide,” confirms Mr Santamaria. “To highlight how diverse our reach is, I can say that we are innovating in sectors as different as medical devices and electrification, to wearables and 3D printing, to name a few. In Engineered Polymers, we tailor our materials to the needs, for example, of leading footwear and apparel brands to help them deliver differentiated products prioritising lightness, comfort and breathability. From the diversity of our people and markets to the diversity of our technologies, we can deliver a wide range of market insights and material science expertise, dedicated to helping our customers meet their innovation and growth goals.”

He adds that Lubrizol Engineered Polymers is now introducing new light stable TPUs that can effectively protect multiple surfaces, which today rely on non-recyclable, process-heavy coatings. “The new products can reduce manufacturing costs and improve productivity. On top of that, they can enable the component to be recycled, limiting demands on landfill and improving our customers’ environmental footprint.”

The company also offers Bio TPUTM by Lubrizol*, made with renewable-sourced materials, yet fully capable of delivering the performance and benefits expected of petroleum-based TPU.

meeting current and emerging trends

“More and more producers put greater emphasis on recyclability, which is one material characteristic that can reduce the amount of waste for landfill,” says Mr Santamaria. “All our TPUs are recyclable**. Markets are seeking alternatives to current thermoset applications like foam, rubber and other materials used in, for example, cables and hoses. TPU is that alternative.”

TPU may be the answer to another driver: automation. The concept of Industry 4.0 that started in Germany a few years ago and has been spreading across the world will create a bigger demand for robots and thus for more wire and cable. TPU is unbeatable in this respect, due to its tensile properties, durability and resistance to flex fatigue.

“Conveyor belts are another growing market. With large logistics centres being built all over the world in response to online purchasing, more conveying systems are needed to move packages and materials fast and reliably. Beyond this, demand for soft flexible polymers is rising in other sectors. TPU has the right properties – and the ability to be customised – to satisfy these demands,” he claims.

“There is an evolution happening today in flexible materials with new functionalities. A good example is the shoe industry – today sports shoes are very different from what was available just a few years ago. TPU is the key component allowing this leap from the classical heavy design to the current, very light, high performing designs that today’s consumers enjoy so much.”

Steady global expansion

Lubrizol is present at major polymer fairs and exhibitions worldwide, such as Fakuma in Germany, Plastimagen in Mexico, Chinaplas in Asia and NPE in the US, as well as exhibitions focused on particular sectors.

“Our markets and our manufacturing footprint are global,” says Mr Santamaria. He confirms that the company is well prepared for growth. “We are in a very positive business cycle because of the market trends I mentioned, which really favour TPU, as they seem best suited to meet the current needs. Our strategy is based on meeting this positive trend, which supports organic growth. We are investing for growth in every region of the world, and targeting areas where TPUs are not used today but which seek alternatives with the properties we can deliver. The potential is vast and Lubrizol is well positioned to make the most of these opportunities,” concludes Mr Santamaria.

*Bio-based content as certified in accordance with ASTM D-6866. **Recyclability is based on access to a readily available standard recycling program that supports such materials. Products may not be available in all areas.