Renewable materials for sporting goods

The use of special thermoplastic polyester elastomers in the production of sporting goods has come a long way with new performance characteristics being developed as a result of continuous research and product development. Available now are materials that are strong and flexible while possessing the processibility of thermoplastics. These materials can be applied in a wide range of sportswear, sports shoes and protective footwear, and sporting goods and equipment. Hytrel?RS (renewably-sourced) thermoplastic elastomers feature the characteristics of both rubber and plastics, yet offering more by being environmentally friendly. Released by DuPont Engineering Polymers, the material contains between 20% and 60% renewably-sourced material derived from corn. Easily processed by conventional thermoplastic methods like injection molding, blow molding, calendaring, and melt casting, Hytrel?thermoplastic elastomers have many applications. These include hoses and tubing for automotive and industrial uses, boots for CV joints, air bag doors, and energy dampers. As has been the objective, Hytrel?offers the flexibility of rubbers, the strength of plastics, and the processibility of thermoplastics. It is available in a full range of Shore D hardnesses (30D to 82D). Special grades include heat stabilized, flame retardant and blow molding. Concentrates include black pigments, UV protection additives, hydrolysis resistant additives, heat stabilizers and flame retardants. New grades containing 35% to 65% renewably sourced material are in development and early tests show the same performance and processing characteristics of original Hytrel? Terluran?GP-35 is a standard ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer) from BASF. Terluran?ABS resins are specifically designed to provide a very broad physical property range with very good processing characteristics. The materials have exceptionally light natural color with excellent color stability and color consistency. Terluran?ABS resins offer the following performance characteristics: low pigment effect on mechanical properties, high gloss, quality consistency, processing versatility and high heat grades. These products are produced globally with the same technology and with the same end product specifications. The high-performance Verton?composite released by Sabic Innovative Plastics is composed of long glass fiber-reinforced nylon composite that gives stiffness, impact strength, exceptional toughness and reliability. As used in a newly launched bicycle, the material helps provide an environmentally responsible, low-cost urban transport solution. Impact resistance and flexibility stressed Hytrel?is ideal for parts requiring excellent flex fatigue and broad use temperature. It resists tearing, flex-cut growth, creep and abrasion. It offers strength and stiffness plus outstanding toughness while resisting hydrocarbons and many other fluids. Hytrel?RS thermoplastic elastomer in sporting goods applications has been launched by leading consumer supplier of Salomon, via its "Ghost" ski-boot during the winter 2008/09 season with general release to the public planned for winter 2009/10. The collar of the 'Ghost' freerider alpine ski-boot was one of the first commercial uses worldwide ofDuPontTM Hytrel?RS thermoplastic elastomer. Providing all the traditional performance characteristics of Hytrel?for such a demanding winter sports application - including impact resistance and flexibility at low temperatures - the particular grade of Hytrel?RS used contains 27 wt % renewably-sourced material. "The introduction of a portfolio of renewably sourced polymers gives designers a new palette to work with," said Marsha Craig, global business director, renewably sourced materials. DuPont Performance Materials now offers a wide range of high-performance materials to help industry reduceNIKE