Caster-oil -based polyurethanes

It is said to be a drop-in replacement for conventional polyols, a main component of polyurethane flexible foams. The foams are lightweight, air-permeable, and their hardness, elongation, and density can be tailored. The new polyol is 31% castor oil. A mattress made from it, for example, would contain up to 24%, by weight, of castor oil. This high percentage of renewable raw material in the finished product is said to be a breakthrough in the realm of polyurethane products.

Elastogran GmbH, a subsidiary of BASF AG, 49448 Lemfrde, Germany, +49 54 43 12-0, www.elastogran.de