Hybrid systems consisting of foamed thermoplastic elastomers and polyurethanes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid material comprising a matrix of polyurethane and foamed particles of thermoplastic polyurethane comprised therein and also a process for producing such hybrid materials and the use of these hybrid materials as bicycle saddles, upholstery and shoe soles.

1 . A process for producing a hybrid material comprising a matrix of polyurethane and foamed particles of thermoplastic polyurethane comprised therein, which comprises mixing
 a) polyisocyanates with   b) compounds having hydrogen atoms which are reactive toward isocyanates,   c) expandable particles (c′) of thermoplastic polyurethane which comprise blowing agents in dispersed or dissolved form   
       and, if appropriate,
 d) chain extenders and/or crosslinkers, 
 e) catalysts, 
 f) blowing agents and 
 g) further additives 
 
       and reacting the mixture to form the hybrid material, with the reaction being carried out under conditions which lead to expansion of the expandable particles (c′) so that the foamed particles have a closed surface skin.