The company has developed aromatic grades of Desmopan TPU for this sector.

The company has developed aromatic grades of Desmopan TPU for this sectorBy Julie Bieles

Bayer Polymers has developed aromatic grades of a thermoplastic polyurethane, which it says has major potential in the sports footwear market.

The Desmopan TPU grades have high transparency, even with thick walls, good UV stability and a significantly lower yellowness value than standard grades, the company claims.

Product developer Dr Eva Gestermann envisaged opportunities in injection-moulded parts for sports goods – a market where high levels of transparency are often required for decorative and design features.

The TPUs are an ideal material for hard-wearing windows for decorative features, even in the sole area, claims Bayer. This is due to the high abrasion resistance and tear propagation strength of the material.

Stiffer formulations of the grades could be used to make “transparent” ski boots, which show off the boot’s structure and the internal design, the company said.