The Dow Chemical Company (DOW) has unveiled the new ENFORCER Sport polyurethane backing system that will help turf producers to increase yarn yield at lower energy-consumption levels during production, without affecting the line speed and productivity. Tufters can use polyurethane on the existing equipments with minimum modifications.
The ENFORCER Sport polyurethane backing system will also benefit the turf field owners by reducing thermal stress, thereby improving yarn durability.
The uniqueness of the new polyurethane system is that it can be cured at temperatures in a range of 85–100°C, depending on oven efficiency compared with the conventional coatings that require processing temperatures of up to 150°C for curing, thus conserving energy. The new system also incorporates features, such as, excellent tuft lock and increased stiffness. The low temperature catalyzed system utilizes a cooler that helps improve yarn yield, reduce yarn tips and enhance turf life.
In the new polyurethane system, no water or solvents are used to evaporate, thus allowing for faster line speeds than other coating materials. It also requires less make-up air to cure, saving energy.
Apart from these benefits, the new polyurethane system can be custom-made to the existing production process, enabling strong tuft lock, while at the same time retaining tuft lock properties when wet due to the hydrophobic nature of polyurethane coatings. Also, during installation, polyurethane backings provide an excellent bond to the polyurethane seam adhesives, thus enabling longer durability.
Dow is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock.
Other companies in the chemical industry worth considering include Methanex Corp. (MEOH), Northern Technologies International Corp. (NTIC) and PPG Industries Inc. (PPG). While both Methanex and Northern Technologies carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), PPG holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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