Osnabrueck, Germany -- Huntsman Polyurethanes has developed an impact-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film for the European glass and lamination market. According to Huntsman, Krystalflex PE505 is an "extremely tough, yet highly flexible, optical aliphatic TPU film that offers superior penetration resistance as well as excellent transparency and enhanced UV stability."
The technical interlayer is designed primarily for use in transparent armour in military vehicles. It is aimed at production of thin, lightweight glazing systems that offer improved anti-blast properties and ballistic protection. With its high hardness, medium modulus and the ability to perform exceptionally well at both high and low temperatures, Huntsman says Krystalflex PE505 is also being targeted at uses in general security and intrusion-resistant glazing as well as aerospace and rail applications.
The TPU is the latest innovation to emerge from Huntsman's global TPU research and development center in Derry, New Hampshire, in the US. It extends the company's film technology platform, which Huntsman claims is already the broadest of its kind in the glazing and glass lamination sector.
Noting that the basic chemistry of its TPU films has been largely the same for many years, Marco Zajac, Huntsman Polyurethanes' Product Manager for Krystalflex in Europe said "We have intensified our R&D programme … The result is a portfolio of premium glazing films, built on solid scientific understanding, that enables us to meet modern glazing demands." Zjac said the new interlayer product offers "superior impact performance at any temperature from the coldest nights to the hottest days."
Like other TPU films from Huntsman, it can be produced at varying thickness to meet exact performance traits, the company points out.
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