Dosing system adds recyclates into mix to create sustainable hot-cast elastomers

Huntsman has developed an innovative new piece of equipment that can be coupled with its CASTECH machines to add up to 25% recycled content (by weight) to hot cast polyurethane elastomer systems.

In line with its customers’ sustainability ambitions, Huntsman’s new filler dosing system can be bolted onto existing CASTECH machines – enabling different percentages of recycled content to be added to its TECNOTHANE engineering elastomer systems.

Using the new equipment, customers can choose to add fillers made from a variety of materials including recycled rubber, solid PU and TPU, and fibres. Recyclates can also vary in density and size depending on requirements.

Huntsman’s CASTECH machines are popular with manufacturers of industrial components. A flexible, low-maintenance, equipment solution, the machines are used to efficiently cast compact polyurethane elastomers and microcellular elastomer foams from all types of isocyanate and chain extender combinations. The result is durable components optimised to perform in harsh industrial, and logistics applications such as wheels, castors and rollers for mining equipment, warehouse vehicles, and even rollercoaster rides at amusement parks.

To maintain overall part integrity, Huntsman’s new CASTECH filler dosing system has been engineered to minimise the risk of air bubbles forming as recycled fillers are added. Incorporating recovered fillers into engineering elastomer systems can lead to entrapped air, which can have a detrimental effect on component quality. Using Huntsman’s new equipment innovation, manufacturers can confidently meter a mixture of recyclates into any of the three components that are combined to make Huntsman’s TECNOTHANE hot-cast elastomers. Once mixed with the system, the recycled content flows freely into the mould along with the rest of the system and bonds well with the matrix.

Explaining more, Andrea Ghermandi, Business Development Manager EAME, said: “Offering the highest levels of accuracy and flexibility, our CASTECH machines are among the most advanced equipment options available for the efficient manufacture of elastomers. Featuring a range of interchangeable parts, these machines are fully flexible and can be tailor-made to suit customers’ requirements. Now, with the launch of our filler dosing system, component manufacturers have even more choice at their fingertips. With sustainability top of the agenda for many of our customers, they now have the freedom to incorporate recycled content into their parts – with zero compromise on component quality, durability, or performance.”