Title: TPU SHRINK MATERIAL

Number/Link: WO2017/108920

Applicant/Assignee: BASF

Publication Date: 29-jun-2017

“Gist”: Shape memory TPU is used as shrink wrap

Why it is interesting: A thermoplastic polyurethane with a shape-memory is prepared from a diisocyanate, a chain extender and a polyol comprising an ‘aromatic polyester block’, especially a polyethylenetherephthalate block. The composition is chosen such that the TPU has a melting point between 160 and 230ºC and another phase transition between 30 and 80ºC (the “switching temperature”). Films of this material are then stretched at a temperature higher than the switching temperature but below melt temperature and then cooled in stretched state. The stretched films are said to be useful as shrink wrap, especially for foodstuffs. No examples are given.
A surprising application for TPU but hardly a surprising TPU invention i.m.o.

Shrink-wrapped Helicopters (Wikipedia)