Etsuhiro Yamamoto

Title: Innovations of Etsuhiro Yamamoto in Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

Introduction

Etsuhiro Yamamoto is an accomplished inventor based in Yatomi, Japan, with a notable portfolio of four patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), showcasing his expertise in materials science. Yamamoto's contributions are influential in various applications, including injection molded products and foams.

Latest Patents

Yamamoto's latest patents include two significant innovations in the field of thermoplastic polyurethanes. The first patent details a continuous production method of a PPG-based TPU. This material exhibits a glass transition temperature of less than −25° C., making it suitable for low-temperature applications. The process entails reacting a polyol composition containing a high proportion of secondary terminal OH groups with a polyisocyanate to produce a polyol composition that includes a prepolymer, which can then be used in various manufacturing processes.

The second patent describes a process for producing foamed thermoplastic polyurethane particles. This process involves melting TPU in a first extruder, injecting a gaseous blowing agent into the melt, and then thoroughly mixing it. The final step involves extruding the impregnated melt through a die plate, followed by granulation to create foamed TPU particles. This method opens up new possibilities for producing lightweight and versatile foam materials.

Career Highlights

Yamamoto works for BASF SE Corporation, a leading company in chemical production and innovation. His research and development efforts in thermoplastic polyurethanes have significantly enhanced the company's product offerings. By focusing on high-performance materials, he has helped push the boundaries of what is possible in the plastics industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Yamamoto has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Akira Nomura and Wei Zhuang. These partnerships leverage their diverse expertise and foster an environment of innovation, leading to breakthroughs in materials technology.

Conclusion

Etsuhiro Yamamoto's dedication to advancing the field of thermoplastic polyurethanes through innovative patents exemplifies the power of collaboration and research. His contributions are vital to expanding the applications of TPU, ultimately influencing product development across various industries. Yamamoto's work continues to inspire future innovations in material science.