Automation, Robotics and Engineering

Our PU and TPU elastomers and casting machines are used across industries to create components and technical parts for a range of applications. Our materials make a difference to the performance of parts in hydraulic, robotic and conveying equipment – supporting the growth of smart factories and automation.  

Automotive and Transportation

Huntsman has a long and successful track record of delivering innovative MDI-based polyurethanes solutions for automotive and transportation applications, including acoustics, seating and composite materials. Sustainability in both manufacturing and vehicle performance is critical in the automotive industry, and Huntsman’s polyurethanes make an important contribution to this goal: from light-weighting materials that improve fuel efficiency, to bio-based products and comfort enhancing foams. Our technical experts are ready to help solve complex design issues with differentiated, bespoke, cost effective solutions.

Cold Chain

Huntsman’s MDI-based rigid polyurethane foam plays a critical role in reducing food waste and extending the life of perishable goods. Our rigid foam provides outstanding thermal insulation properties, leading to its widespread application throughout the supply chain of perishable goods – from the refrigerated processing plants to the insulated storage warehouses and walk-in freezers, to refrigerated transport vehicles, storage pods and grocery store freezers.

From grocery stores to consumers’ dining tables, our foams are used in cool boxes and domestic refrigerators to keep food fresh and tasty.

Building and Construction

Hunstman offers a wide range of MDI-based polyurethanes products that are used in building, construction and infrastructure applications. MDI-based polyurethane is the most effective insulant available in the market and so is widely used to provide energy saving solutions in residential and commercial buildings. Polyurethane insulation is used in roofs, interior and exterior walls, floors, doors and ceiling cavities, pipes, as well as building exterior applications, in both new and retrofit construction projects. Our insulation products also increase a building’s air quality, reduce moisture infiltration, and make buildings stronger and quieter.

The outstanding thermal insulation qualities of MDI-based polyurethane foam have seen its use in district heating systems – where it insulates the huge pipes that are used to transport energy – increase significantly in recent years.  

Huntsman is a pioneer in composite wood products, including medium-density fiberboard, particleboard and oriented strand board, which are produced using MDI resins. Composite wood products are used in building and construction to replace steel joists and beams.  

Our MDI-based coatings are used to seal floors, decks and driveways, providing protection and extending the life of the surface. And our thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are used to protect cables and wires in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Elastomers

We have an extensive portfolio of hot- and cold-cast elastomers, hot casting machines and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers and develop solutions to meet specific needs. Our innovation is focused on addressing key industry trends and drivers, including automation, sustainability, energy conservation, comfort and health, safety and mobility.

Electronics

Huntsman’s thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are widely used in a variety of consumer electronics, due to their excellent durability, flexibility, pleasant haptics, soft touch and grip – from the household wiring that runs low-amp domestic appliances to the molded parts found in your TV, computers and hand-held devices. Additionally, TPUs can be found in cable power systems, protective cases, printed circuit boards and other technical parts used in medical, technology, smart fabrics, wearables, IoT (Internet of Things) and other consumer electronic devices, including plasma screens, mobile phones, smart watches, tablets and laptops.  Other TPU characteristics include scratch, abrasion and impact resistance, good vibration absorption and chemical resistance. TPUs can also be formulated for specific functionality such as flame retardancy, anti-static or conductive, transparency and matte finish.

Footwear

Huntsman’s wide and varied range of polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane and solutions help footwear companies get to market faster.  To meet the high demands and rapidly changing trends in the footwear market, we focus our innovation efforts on sustainable solutions, automation, customization and smart manufacturing. We fully formulated grades and tailor-made systems, building partnerships with our customers based on knowledge, trust and experience. With locations around the world, our international network of footwear specialists combines global reach with local knowledge. 

Furniture and Bedding

Huntsman’s MDI and polyols are the key ingredients in the production of flexible polyurethane foam, a highly versatile cushioning material used in furniture, mattresses and pillows. Huntsman works in close partnership with customers to ensure that consumer needs for comfort are constantly improved. Within the polyurethane formulated systems, our pioneering JEFFCAT^® catalysts provide emissions reduction, performance and power for polyester, polyether and viscoelastic applications.

Our innovative formaldehyde-free MDI resins deliver significant improvements in the production and performance of furniture-grade Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), High Density Fiberboard (HDF) and Particleboard (PB), that are widely used in furniture production for the home and the office.

Sports and Leisure

Huntsman’s TPUs are widely used in the manufacture of sports and leisure goods, helping fitness enthusiasts lead an active, healthy life, and professional athletes train and perform at their highest level. Elastic, durable, and easy to color and print on, they can be injection molded to create a variety of items from specialist soles and inserts for running shoes, to tactile, soft touch, wearable, electronic fitness trackers. Equally, TPUs are ideal for extruding to create protective films for skis, snow and wakeboard surfaces; water bladders for hydration packs; and lightweight stretchable fabrics for athletic clothing.