US speciality chemicals producer Lubrizol (Wickliffe, Ohio; www.lubrizol.com) has introduced a new high performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam technology combining its own “Estane” TPU chemistry with Trexel’s (Woburn, Massachusetts / USA; www.trexel.com) “MuCell” foam injection moulding technique. “BounCell-X” is a plasticiser-free, thermoplastic foam with low density and what it calls “superior performance”, geared mainly at the sports and recreation markets.

The TPU is characterised by light weight, long-term cushioning and a thin solid skin for durable performance, Lubrizol said, adding that thanks to its broad property range, it delivers hardness alongside energy absorption and return. The injection moulding process can also include over-moulding, the company added, and it is possible to use as industrial regrind and in post-consumer recycling thanks to the fact that there are no crosslinking or chemical blowing agents used in the foaming process.

Kenneth Kim, sports and recreation managing director at Lubrizol, said, “The specially developed BounCell-X chemistry allows our customers to make a broad range of thermoplastic foamed applications that have a unique cushioning profile.”