Method for the production of expanding thermoplastic elastomers
AssigneeBASF SE
InventorsMarcus Leberfinger, Carsten Günther, Berend Eling
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to expandable thermoplastic polyurethanes, capable of preparation via mixing of thermoplastic polyurethanes with expandable microspheres, wherein the expandable microspheres have a TMA density smaller than 10 kg/m3.
Claims12
An expandable thermoplastic polyurethane, comprising expandable microspheres whose TMA density is smaller than 10 kg/m3.
A process for producing a thermoplastic polyurethane, comprising the steps of
- a) mixing blowing agents with thermoplastic polyurethanes and, where appropriate, drying
- b) thermoplastic processing of this mixture with expansion of the blowing agent,
- which comprises using, as blowing agents, expandable microspheres with a TMA density smaller than 10 kg/m3, preferably from 2 to 10 kg/m3, and particularly preferably from 2 to 7 kg/m3.
An expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, in particular a shoe sole, in particular with a compact skin and with a foamed core, comprising expanded microspheres with an initial TMA density smaller than 10 kg/m3.
A masterbatch comprising from 5 to 80% by weight, preferably from 25 to 65% by weight, of microspheres, and from 20 to 95% by weight, preferably from 35 to 75% by weight, of thermoplastic carrier, in particular EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.