BASF Introduces New Overlay, Aliphatic Elastollan

Wyandotte, MI, September 21, 2016—Aliphatic TPU Elastollan from BASF provides the basis for an innovative overlay solution for manufacturing modular designer floors or other decorative surfaces. The international packaging and paper company Mondi offers this newly developed surface material under the name Roomskin floor as a composite comprising a printed decorative support and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) top layer.

This elastic, highly transparent surface layer is particularly thin and very durable. It provides a brilliant decor, feels pleasant to walk on and is used primarily in new types of floorcoverings. In addition, surface structures that match the decor can be provided on an individual basis. For BASF this means an expansion of the range of applications for its aliphatic Elastollan grades: In addition to established applications such as glass interlayers or films to protect cars from stone chipping, the flexible plastic is now also being used in flooring.

The Elastollan grades which are based on aliphatic raw materials are light-fast, offer the high mechanical resilience that is typical of this material, and are available in a wide Shore hardness range from 75 A to 80 D. Thanks to Elastollan's very low emissions and odorlessness, the guideline values of the AgBB scheme (German Committee for Health-Related Evaluation of Building Products) are easily complied with. This ensures a healthy indoor climate in areas inside homes and in public buildings. Use of this surface layer also allows floors to meet the criteria for the “Blue Angel” seal of quality – this seal guarantees that products meet high standards in respect of the environment, health and use properties. This new type of overlay is therefore a solid alternative to floors containing PVC.