VORANOL VORACTIV, a catalytically active polyol available from Dow Automotive, delivers increased performance in a wide range of automotive applications, dramatically reducing the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  The resulting improved interior air quality may contribute to increased driver satisfaction as amine-related window fogging and odours are reduced.

One of the most commonly used materials in the automotive industry; polyurethane foam is included in everything from headliners to seating cushions and in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) applications. However, the conventional polyurethane foaming process uses amine catalysts to catalyze the reaction with isocyanates.  Amine catalysts are VOCs and OEMS are facing increasingly stringent requirements regarding amine-related emissions.  VORANOL VORACTIV addresses these concerns by eliminating the need for amine catalysts, and offers a number of other performance and processing improvements.

In addition to contributing to VOC emissions, traditional polyurethane foam formulations contribute to polycarbonate degradation, polyvinyl chloride staining, windshield fogging and odour. They also require full protective equipment throughout the foam formulation and fabrication process. Using Dow’s proprietary process that grafts the catalytic activity to a polyol, VORANOL VORACTIV eliminates the need for purchasing, handling and storage of amine catalysts, resulting in a streamlined process, lower costs of manufacturing, and a significant decrease in fogging, polyvinyl chloride staining and polycarbonate degradation associated with conventional polyurethane foam.

Fabricators also benefit from the polyols consistent flow and reaction profile, allowing more complex parts to be molded with the benefits of easier processing, and foam production waste is reduced due to improved foam shape, uniformity and consistency.

About Dow Automotive

Dow Automotive is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demand for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world. For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services, and application development centers, visit www.dowautomotive.com.

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