Huntsman TPU Elastomers Support Frontline Workers in the Pandemic

COVID-19 Since the outbreak began, Huntsman has been producing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers for major medical personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers worldwide. Huntsman's TPUs are used to manufacture hospital gowns, face masks, bed covers, tubes, valves, cable jackets and, in particular, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR). PAPR, widely used globally, is a type of breathing device that provides frontline healthcare workers with a very high level of protection against viruses such as COVID-19. Battery-powered PAPR purifies contaminated air through a filter mounted on a PAPR blower unit. The PAPR blower unit delivers clean air to the user's headgear via a lightweight breathing hose. BioThane, a coated fabric manufacturer located in North Ridgeville, Ohio, produces belt straps that hold the PAPR battery pack in place. Huntsman's IROGRAN® TPU coats the fabric and enables easy cleaning of the high-durability straps. Additionally, BioThane uses the same TPU-coated fabric layer to create systems for other patient transfer applications where cleanable materials are critical. [caption id="attachment_101441" align="aligncenter"] Coated fabric manufactured by BioThane using IROGRAN® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) from Huntsman.[/caption] BioThane President Ethan Bron stated, "We have served the medical and safety markets for decades, and we commend the dedication of frontline workers. We are working hard to supply the necessary straps for these products to ensure they have access to the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) they urgently need. Tony Hankins, President of Huntsman's Polyurethanes business, added: "We are pleased to help in the fight against COVID-19 and honored to be a critical supplier for BioThane. This is the latest phase in a series of initiatives we have undertaken globally in response to the pandemic, including donations of our polyurethane systems for producing insulation panels for prefabricated quarantine hospitals and donations to our customers producing spandex items such as masks, protective garments and shoes for medical personal protective equipment.