Washington, DC – The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry has announced the shortlist for this year’s Polyurethane Innovation Award. The two finalists are the Riddell SpeedFlex Precision Diamond football helmet liner, and Dow’s Aquachill cool coating for comfier bedding.
The award recognises the most inventive commercial technologies of the past 12 months. Both of this year’s shortlisted innovations are designed to increase the health and well-being of consumers.
The helmet liner is a collaboration between Riddell and additive manufacturing specialist Carbon. Carbon used athlete data from Riddell’s database of 5 million head impacts to design better head protection. The liner uses Carbon’s DLS technology to manufacture liners precisely contoured to the athlete’s head, using energy-absorbing materials.
Dow’s Aquachill is a water-based phase change material coating. It is designed to maximise initial and sustained cooling while giving breathability, durability, good adhesion and minimal odour. Unlike solvent-based coatings, it maintains cooling power in the long term without expelling significant odour.
The winner will be announced during the Polyurethanes Technical Conference, being held from 7–9 October in Orlando, Florida.
