Improved process for manufacture of Polyether Polyols for Low-emission Vehicle Interiors

27-Jul-17

BASF has improved the process for manufacturing Lupranol® (polyether polyol). The car components made of BASF polyurethane systems emit an average of 20% less aldehyde. This polyol helps automotive suppliers to lower VOC emissions in vehicle interiors. Following the process change at BASF’s Asian production sites, the modification will take place in the US plants.

Improved Polyol Grades

Alongside isocyanate, polyol is the starting product for polyurethane foam systems.
The emissions are optimized by improving finishing processes of Lupranol®
The mechanical properties of the material remain unchanged during the processing steps.
There is no need for elaborate tests or renewed approvals of the PU systems based on these improved polyol grades.
BASF markets the PU systems for flexible, semi-rigid and integral foams.

BASF 's Lupranol® grades contributes to automotive components with ever lower emissions. BASF PU systems are tested internally as well as by certified test laboratories like Imat-Uve and Institut Fresenius. The improvement of the emission values varies from part to part: An average reduction of 20% is possible.

Governments are demanding lower emissions for vehicle interiors to:

Reduce the impact of volatile substances on the health of car drivers
Lessen the typical new-car smell.

The focus is on aldehydes such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde, as well as aromatics from polyurethanes. BASF is working intensively on developing PU systems which allow for car components with lower emissions.