Covestro has introduced Impranil DLN-SD, a water-based polyurethane (PU) dispersion, which can be used to manufacture biodegradable textile coatings. Entire product cycle - source of the raw materials, production process, application, and what happens at the end of its useful life - is important to assess the sustainability of a textile coating.

It is a major advantage when substances are broken down biologically by microorganisms.

“Raw materials from Covestro enable the production of biodegradable coatings, but also composite solutions,” says Dr. Torsten Pohl, global head of Textile Coatings at Covestro. “As a result, they contribute to a modern circular economy.” Tests show that more than half of the PU dispersion is degraded within 28 days under the special conditions of the OECD 301 standard. Therefore, the degradation rate is considerably higher than that of polyacrylates and other film formers. Covestro is presenting the test results at the European Coatings Show 2019 from March 19 to 21 in Nuremberg.

Textile coatings based on Impranil DLN-SD feel soft and dry. In addition, they are abrasion- and wash-resistant and extremely flexible. The dispersion is also a good film former and is highly compatible with nitrile rubber (NBR). Therefore, it is also useful in other product applications, for example, in latex gloves and packaging.

Since Impranil DLN-SD is an aliphatic PU dispersion, it can be used to formulate highly light-resistant coatings. The dispersion can be used in adhesive, intermediate and surface coatings. Biodegradable coatings based on Impranil DLN-SD have the potential to follow the trend towards more sustainable products also considering end-of-life solutions. (SV)