Bayer isocyanate is a bio-polyurethane “first”

Düsseldorf, Germany – Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) has developed ”the first bio-based crosslinker” for polyurethanes. The product, it said, is based on a new isocyanate - pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI),

In a 15 Jan preview release of exhibits lined up for the European Coatings Show in April, BMS said 70 percent of the carbon content of PDI is derived from non-food biomass feedstock.

The development offers customers “an eco-friendly hardener component, which for them is a key differentiating factor,” said BMS.

The company added that it is working to establish additional uses for PDI-based raw materials in coatings, adhesives and other applications.

BMS aims to bring the first PDI-based product to market in April 2015. Commercial manufacturing is to follow in 2016 with an annual capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes.

The products will be manufactured in existing plants using energy-efficient gas-phase technology, according to the company statement.

(Image: Bayer MaterialsScience AG)