Leverkusen, Germany — Thermoplastic polyurethane from Covestro, is finding a role in the new Salomon X-Pro 70 W ski boots.
Covestro said the ski boot’s lower shell is made of TPU which combines high stiffness and an attractive appearance with a long service life and wear resistance. The upper cuff of the boot also features TPU and gets its strength from a reinforced rear, lateral insert, the company said. In contrast, the softer front cuff, also made of TPU ensures that the boot has a snug, but flexible fit on the leg.
Covestro is also planning to exhibit transparent grades of its Desmopan DP 96xx line at K 2016. These highly transparent materials enable a view of the internal workings of the boot. Covestro said that the materials can be used in wall thicknesses of up to 6 mm with no noticeable clouding. The polyether TPUs are resistant to hydrolysis, microbes and UV exposure, making them ideal for outdoor applications such as ski boots and soccer shoes, Covestro added.
The company continued that the materials may be processed like conventional thermoplastic polyurethanes.
