Improved interior material

Automotive Design & Production, Feb, 2005

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is often used to cover the yarns that go into the fabrics that cover automotive seats. This is because TPU helps the fabric resist wear, tearing, and tear propagation. In addition to which, TPU doesn't contain plasticizers or halogens, which makes for a better interior environment. Bayer MaterialScience AG (in the U.S.: Pittsburgh, PA; www.bayermaterialscience.com) now offers something that will make interiors more appealing; light-fast grades of TPU. The two grades, Desmopan and Texin, are said to display no yellowing after long-term exposure to UV light. What's more, these transparent materials, based on aliphatic isocyanates and polyesters, can be pigmented with any color. "In combination with fancy yarns," observes Jens Ufermann, TPU Business Unit segment head for Bayer, "this is set to open the door to completely new, appealing textile designs."

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