Yokohama Rubber Co., one of Japan's leading tire manufacturers, developed a waterproof, two-component polyurethane building material with no organic solvents, and put it on the market in June 2004 under the brand name "Urban Roof U-8800 Eco."

Polyurethane waterproofing is used on the rooftops and balconies of buildings, where it is painted on and allowed to harden. Demand has been increasing for this kind of material for waterproofing and repair work. Conventional waterproofing agents often contain organic solvents such as toluene and xylene, added to give the material more fluidity and to control the time it takes to harden, but these solvents also cause irritating odors. In this new product, Yokohama Rubber has succeeded in removing organic solvents from the formula without losing the targeted performance qualities. They achieved this by reviewing formula components and basic polymer molecule design.

As it exudes almost no irritating odor, the new material is safe for both construction workers and residents. It is also easily applicable in the case of buildings requiring more consciousness about safety and the environment, such as hospitals, facilities providing care services, schools, and condominium rooftops.



Posted: 2004/09/16 06:29:17 PM
Japanese version

TAG Chemicals , Eco-product/Business , Manufacturing industry , Technology