Innovation award for polyurethane product

By David Reed, UT EditorArlington, Virginia-Three finalists have been selected for the first-ever innovation award to be made by the Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry (API). The overall prize winner will be selected by delegates visiting the upcoming Polyurethanes 2005 event, to be held 16-19 October in Houston, Texas.The award, designated as the Infinite Possibilities of Polyurethane Innovation Award, focuses on the most innovative use of polyurethane in an end-use product. The three finalists are:* BASF Corp.'s microcellular polyurethane / thermoplastic polyurethane (MCU/TPU) coil spring isolator assembly, selected for its contributions to noise/vibration/harshness reduction in automotive applications;* CardXX's Smart Card line, which expands the electronic capabilities of smart cards; and* Dow Chemical's Great Stuff aerosol rigid foam dispensing system, used to apply insulation around window and door frames.The entries will be on display at the API booth (424) and the winning entry will be announced during the closing session, 19 Oct. at 12:15pm."