Dow Global Technolgoies LLC

Sara Cavalca

Sabrina Fregni

Skinned composites contain a plasticized polymer skin layer adhered to a layer of a polyurethane. The polyurethane is made from a reaction mixture that contains specified amounts of a polyester polyol and an acidic material. The presence of both the polyester polyol and acid leads to significantly improved adhesion between the polyurethane and skin layer. The invention is particularly useful when the skin is highly plasticized.

Method for making skinned polyurethane composites

PVC-skinned composites include a substrate, a skin and an intermediate polyurethane layer. The polyurethane layer is characterized in having a low molecular weight between crosslinks, i.e., is somewhat highly crosslinked. The high level of crosslinking in the polyurethane leads to improved performance of the skin layer. The skin layer retains its original color upon aging, is less prone to shrinking and other loss of physical properties, and adheres better to the polyurethane layer.

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San Martino in Rio, Italy

Sara Cavalca