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PolyTHF® is BASF's product
name for polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), which is a downstream
derivative of 1,4-Butanediol. PolyTHF® is a linear, saturated,
primary polyetherol that is strictly difunctional. It is synthesized
by the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran to yield the following homopolymers:
The diol groups of PolyTHF® can react in two ways with
other functional groups to form high quality elastomeric polymers:
Polyaddition with di-isocyanates to form urethane-group-linked
polymers.
Polycondensation with dicarboxylic acids to form ester-group-linked
polymers.
Applications
PolyTHF® glycols are widely used in elastomeric segmented
polymers. Characteristic for these elastomeric segmented polymers
is their two phase morphology with a hard (or rigid) segment and a
soft segment. Compared with other soft segments, such as polyesterdiols
or polylactones, PolyTHF® provides low temperature flexibility,
low content of extractable substances, microbial resistance and hydrolytic
stability.
The most important applications for PolyTHF® glycols are:
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| Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) |
| Thermoplastic polyurethanes containing PolyTHF® glycols
as the soft segment have excellent resistance to hydrolysis and microbes
and very good mechanical properties. They have extremely high elasticity,
even at very low temperatures, and are used in catheters, dashboards,
radiator grills, ski-boots, hoses, pipes and many other applications.
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| Thermoplastic Polyetheresters (PEE) |
| Polyetheresters have excellent mechanical properties over a wide
temperature range and good resistance to solvents (except chlorinated
hydrocarbons), oils and fats. PEEs are used in a wide variety of applications,
such as in the machinery (gearwheels, springs, etc.), shoe and automotive
industries. Other uses include fiber optics, leather replacement,
household appliances and sports articles. |
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| Thermoplastic Polyetheramides (PEA) |
| Superior product qualities make polyetheramides suitable for demanding
applications such as ski boots, swimming goggles, hearing aid components,
watch straps and, generally, all kinds of articles that come into
direct contact with the skin. |
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| Polyurethane Fibers (Spandex) |
| Due to their excellent resistance to hydrolysis and microbes, the
largest fields of application for elastomeric fibers of PolyTHF®
glycols are articles that come into direct contact with the skin,
such as swimwear, underwear, hosiery, bandages and diapers. |
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| Cast Elastomers |
| PolyTHF® cast elastomers can possess mechanical properties
superior to both polyesterdiols and TPU. Typical applications consist
of roller skate wheels, drive units, friction bearings, conveyer belts
and others. |
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| For further information on PolyTHF®, refer
to the Technical Data Sheets (above), Customer
Service Page. |
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| PolyTHF is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation. |
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