Issue 37/2013 - BASF's new InfinergyTM foam is used in a wide range of applications

BASF's new InfinergyTM foam is lightweight and highly elastic, which gives Infinergy a wide range of uses, including running shoes, puncture-resistant tires, soft beds for cows and "jungle zone" buffer zones for
children's playgrounds.

According to BASF's materials and processes expert Dr.
Uwe Keppeler, the material consists mainly of
expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU).
E-TPU is made
by foaming TPU granules, the starting material.
After pressurized heating pretreatment, the original 5 mm particles can expand
like popcorn.
In this process, the volume of the elliptical microspheres containing micro-enclosed bubbles increases by a factor
of 10.
Dr.
Frank Prissok, research and development expert at BASF, said: "These closed bubbles impart excellent elasticity and the desired rebound effect
to the foamed microspheres.
Each foamed microsphere can be thought of as a small soccer ball: the more air they contain, the better
the elasticity and resilience.
"
Adidas used BASF's new foamed microspheres InfinergyTM to develop the Energy Boost
, a revolutionary running shoe with excellent elasticity and shock absorption properties.
Its biggest highlight is the core element of every pair of running shoes - the midsole
.
The midsole made of foamed microspheres can effectively absorb the impact on the foot during running, providing good shock absorption performance
for the foot.
The material's high rebound effect returns a lot of energy, giving runners a unique running experience
.
(Tian Lijun)