Singapore – Polyurethane is the key to new Boldur composite utility poles which help make electricity distribution more resilient in countries that are prone to hurricanes and typhoons.
This incarnation of the PU utility pole, has been developed by BASF. It is now being distributed in Japan.
BASF said its Elastolit polyurethane impregnates reinforcing filaments. The wet filaments are wound round a mandrel and cured to make the poles. The poles weigh 220 kg. They can withstand severe weather and maintain reliable electricity supply in disaster areas.
BASF added that unlike concrete poles, lightweight poles do not fall like dominoes in strong winds. The domino effect can lead to widespread power outages.
The PU composite poles are corrosion-resistant. Additionally, they have a UV-resistant topcoat that extends service life. They are being made in South Korea.
Finally, BASF said that new poles are a quarter of the weight of a typical concrete pole. This makes them easier to transport and install without specialist machinery.
As the climate crisis deepens, 'there is a pressing need to improve the durability of power distribution,’ said Larsen Kolberg. He is BASF Asia Pacific’s head of business for the construction industry. He works in the performance materials group.
