Polyester polyols, in their basic form, are typically made from mixtures of diols, triols and dibasic acids or anhydrides. Polyols come in various forms dependent on the end application. These forms can include liquids at room temperature, crystalline solids, waxy solids, and solvent cut. In order to formulate these desired properties, the polyols are created using a variety of acids and diols in a range of different molecular weights.
Common polyester polyols such as polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, and polylactide are often found in biodegradable polyurethanes. Widely known applications for polyester polyols include, but are not limited to, rigid and flexible foams, surface and fabric coatings, microcellular shoe systems, moisture cured PU, industrial coatings, inks and castable elastomers.
The table below illustrates Townsend Chemicals’ Polyester Polyol Grades and their Different Applications:
| Grade | Properties | Application |
| RE-POL 316/65 | Solvent cut, branched polyester that produces coatings with excellent weathering capabilities | Chemically resistant coatings |
| RE-POL 560 | Linear polyester polyol used to produce flexible coatings on its own or in combination with other RE-POL polyester polyols | Flexible coatings |
| RE-POL 640 | Slightly branched liquid polyester polyol for use in 2 PU coatings | Tough PU coatings |
| RE-POL 650 | Branched polyester polyol, that is 100% solids and produces tough, chemically resistant coatings | Primers and topcoats |
| RE-POL 424 | For the manufacture of tough, oil resistant, flexible foam | Flexible foam |
| RE-POL 9649D | For the manufacture of rigid foam with high mechanical properties | Surfboard blanks |
| RE-POL 9210B | For the manufacture of PIR foam where a more flexible foam is required | PIR foam/ Spray foam |
| RE-POL 98026 | For the manufacture of rigid foams with excellent insulation properties and flame resistance | PIR foam |
| RE-POL 216 | Liquid at room temperature polyester polyol for the manufacture of polyurethane elastomers with high mechanical properties | Flexible elastomers |
| RE-POL 470 | Soft, waxy, 2000mW polyester polyol for the manufacture of polyurethane elastomers with high mechanical properties | Cast elastomers |
| RE-POL 620/01 | Liquid at room temperature, for use in soft printing rollers 15-45 Shore A | Printing rollers |
| RE-POL 98028 | Low viscosity, lightly branched polyester polyol for use in polyurethane elastomers | Cast elastomers |
For additional information on Townsend Chemicals’ production of polyurethane coatings and general polyurethane production, click here!