Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

An Plessers

Joseph J Vontorcik, Jr

Edward W Ault

Geert Vermunicht

Joseph J Vontorcik

Julius Farkas

Kenneth H Kim

Ungyeong Jung

Jr Joseph J Vontorcik

The present invention relates to systems and methods for solid freeform fabrication, especially selective laser sintering, as well as various articles made using the same, where the systems and methods utilize certain thermoplastic polyurethanes which are particularly suited for such processing. The useful thermoplastic polyurethanes are derived from (a) a polyisocyanate component, (b) a polyol component, and (c) an optional chain extender component; wherein the resulting thermoplastic polyurethane has a melting enthalpy of at least 5.5J/g, a Tc (crystallization temperature) of more than 70&#xb0; C., a &#x394;(Tm:Tc) of from 20 to 75 degrees, where &#x394;(Tm:Tc) is the difference between the Tm (melting temperature) and Tc.

Methods of using thermoplastic polyurethanes in selective laser sintering and systems and articles thereof

This technology relates to an integrated article that includes (a) a flexible foam region and (b) a non-foam region. The flexible foam region and the non-foam region are each made of a polyurethane composition. In some embodiments, the flexible foam region is a midsole, and wherein the non-foam region is an outsole. The flexible foam region is made from a flexible polyurethane injection molded foam. The non-foam region is made from a non-foamed polyurethane, which may be extruded or thermoformed. The invention relates to this integrated article, as well as the methods of making and using the same.

Integrated polyurethane article

The present invention relates to systems and methods for solid freeform fabrication, especially selective laser sintering, as well as various articles made using the same, where the systems and methods utilize certain thermoplastic polyurethanes which are particularly suited for such processing. The useful thermoplastic polyurethanes are derived from (a) a polyisocyanate component, (b) a polyol component, and (c) an optional chain extender component; wherein the resulting thermoplastic polyurethane has a melting enthalpy of at least 5.5 J/g, a Tc (crystallization temperature) of more than 70&#xb0; C., a &#x394;(Tm:Tc) of from 20 to 75 degrees, where &#x394;(Tm:Tc) is the difference between the Tm (melting temperature) and Tc.

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An Plessers