The high levels of carbon emissions have contributed to alarming global warming levels. Colored polyurethane foams can play a pivotal role in reducing these levels. Its wide application across various industries can aid in this endeavor.
Colored PU Foams:-
Colored polyurethane (PU) foams are polyurethane foams which are treated with color pigments or pastes. These foams are derived by combining poly or diisocyanates with polyols. Surfactants and additives are added to the mixture to give it the appropriate shape. It possesses high tolerance, durability, and improved design.
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) are petroleum-based feedstocks used in the process. Colored PU foams have applications across electronic appliances, home interiors, and automotive industries.
Developments:-
Bio-based materials such as castor and soybeans are being used in the production of colored PU foams. These materials can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and reduce global warming levels. They are called natural-oil polyols (NOPs) and can be used in home-furnishing and automotive markets. It can reduce energy demand and emission level by nearly 23% and 36% respectively.
Covestro, formerly known as Bayer MaterialScience, has managed to launch the first solar plane, Solar Impulse 2 (Si2). The company managed to reduce the overall weight of the plane as well as regulated the interiors by using rigid PU foams. Whirlpool Corporation, producer of electronic appliances, has used a HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blowing agent within a PU refrigeration insulation system inside its refrigerators.
Market Overview:-
The worldwide colored polyurethane foams market is expected to exceed USD 20 billion by 2022, according to Grand View Research, Inc. Its market demand is anticipated to touch 6.5 million tons by the same year, growing at a 5% CAGR over the forecast period (2015 - 2022). It is driven by technological advances in automotive and electronic appliances markets.
Flexible and rigid colored PU foams are two main products within the market. Flexible foams had dominated the market in 2014 with nearly 58% volume shares. Rigid foams are expected to exhibit a 5.2% CAGR over the forecast period. Electronic appliances application is anticipated a 5.7% CAGR over the next seven years. Prominent market players include BASF SE, Huntsman Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation.
In-Depth research report on colored polyurethane foams market:
