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Bayer researchers develop a solvent-free raw material for imitation leather

Fashionable foams

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At the textile coating facility, Jonuz Mustafi supervises the manufacture of a length of imitation leather for test purposes.

Imitation leather is easy-care and hard-wearing. That’s why it is already being used in many areas of everyday life. Yet researchers from Bayer MaterialScience wanted to once again improve this product and successfully found a solvent-free raw material for imitation leather.

Razor-thin and tough as leather

The material consists of tiny polyurethane particles that float finely distributed in water and create a fluffy foam when whisked. When thinly spread out, the foam dries into an extremely tough, millimeter-thin substance with the “scrunchy” feel typical of leather. The process will make imitation leather production particularly environmentally friendly. Read the following article to find out what a jungle test is and why a kitchen mixer can be an important research tool.