Huntsman (The Woodlands, Texas / USA; www.huntsman.com) introduced three additions to its “Irogran” family of polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at the recent "NPE" (www.npe.org) industry fair, held in Orlando, Florida, from 23-27 March. “Irogran” A 80 P 5039, A 85 P 4394 and A 92 P 4637 have all been approved for use in potable water applications and comply with FDA standards as well as NSF 61.

The three grades are said to be more resistant to water than standard polyester TPUs, and are also easy to clean, Huntsman said, adding that all have a high tolerance to microbial attack. The new types are highly transparent, offer good crystallinity and are available in hardness levels ranging from 80-92 Shore A, the company said. With good low temperature flexibility and easily processable, they can be extruded to create hoses, tubes, belts and film for food and drink related applications.

Huntsman said samples of the materials are available upon request, adding that it is currently developing two additional new food contact materials for calendaring applications that are also suitable for technical extrusion projects.