Aliphatic Polyurethane Matrix for more sustainable UV-Resistant Composites

During the last years, composites based on renewable sources gained significant interest due to a globally increased awareness on sustainability. In order to address these challenges and to achieve ambitious sustainability targets, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Covestro recently introduced composites from a new aliphatic and bio-based polyurethane, which bears a bio-content of ca. 70%. A combination of such bio-based polyurethanes with bio-based reinforcing fibers can lead for the first time to a composite with a bio-content of appr. 90%. Due to the aliphatic nature of the bio-based isocyanates, the resulting composites are characterized by an inherent UV-and weathering resistance, which makes them primarily suitable for outdoor applications and allows to omit additional protective coatings steps. A corresponding matrix material for pultruded composites, which is based on conventional raw materials, was launched under the brand name Desmocomp®.