THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANES MADE WITH TIN-FREE CATALYSTS

Thermoplastic polyurethanes, including those based on aliphatic isocyanates, are of great interest for industrial applications that require UV-stability. To overcome the low reactivity of some diisocyanates a catalyst is usually added to accelerate urethane formation. In most applications, organotin-based compounds are used, however, due to growing concerns about the toxicity of some of these organotin compounds, their use is being restricted and the need for alternative catalysts is growing. The thermoplastic polyurethanes described herein are made using tin-free catalysts while retaining the UV-stability and other properties required for many industrial applications.