Use of TPU is growing, like all TPEs, this report addresses the debate over the ways in which TPU is moving away from the PU family and becoming more closely associated with TPEs. Such materials as isocyanates and polyols are looked at, as well as processing methods such as twin screw reactor extruders. The report approached TPUs from a threefold direction: technology, applications and commercial/market information. The overall market structure is looked at on a country by country basis. TPU is put to a very wide multiplicity of uses in such applications as automotive, engineering, footwear, medical, pipe, and wire and cable.

Introduction

Production

Technology

Market Review

Applications and Segmentation

Trends

Competitive Products