Stevens Urethane Provides A Tough, Versatile Layer For High-Performance Laminations

Easthampton, MA — Stevens Urethane offers ease of fabrication and a combination of outstanding physical properties which makes it an ideal material to laminate for applications ranging from medical products to sporting equipment and camping gear, among others. Reliable adhesion to a wide variety of substrates ranging from fabrics such as polyester and nylon, to plastics and even glass, makes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) a valuable inter-layer.

TPU's ability to "breathe" and repel water, along with excellent abrasion resistance characteristics, make it an ideal outer layer as well. Good moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) allow moisture to evaporate from beneath, so surgical gowns, rain gear and other apparel, for example, keep the wearer both dry and comfortable. TPU lends protection, durability and waterproofing to tent fabrics and backpacks as well.

In addition, TPU is an ideal adhesive for bonding polycarbonate and glass in security glazing applications. Stevens Urethane is available in optically clear formulations that allow excellent light transmission, as well as a strong bond between the glazing materials.

Stevens Urethane is easy to work with and fabricate, and exhibits uniform melt properties that contribute to consistency and processability. TPU laminations can be dielectrically sealed rather than sewn, making it easier to design a "seamless" waterproof system for air and liquid bladders. This process eliminates stitching, which leaves needle holes and seams which must then be sealed with a waterproof coating.

Stevens Urethane offers many different grades of TPU to suit specific application requirements, such as flame retardant and breathable materials. Typical applications that incorporate Stevens Urethane film and sheet laminations include child car seats, flotation life vests, airline emergency slides, scuba buoyancy compensators, and different types of apparel.

Based in Easthampton, Mass., Stevens Urethane manufactures a full range of high-performance urethanes for use in a wide variety of "can't fail" applications for the consumer, medical, commercial, and industrial markets. Stevens Urethane is the only company in the world that offers urethane in blown film, extruded sheet, tubing, cord, and profile form.

For additional information, contact: Stevens Urethane, 412 Main Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. Phone: (413) 533-8100, or toll free at 1-877-TPU-FILM (1-877-878-3456). FAX: (413) 552-1195. E-mail: info@stvure.com. Stevens Urethane is a business unit of JPS Elastomerics.