Dubai-based system house Pearl Covestro Polyurethane Systems LLC – which is soon to be rebranded as Pearl Polyurethane Systems – has launched a new research and development (R&D) initiative in the Middle East to develop improved continuous sandwich panel concepts with the objective of continually bringing breakthrough new products to market.
The Initiative’s goal is to research new solutions for continuous sandwich panel production to achieve an overall improvement in insulation performance of up to 20% when compared to current industry standards.
Part of the research will develop alternative blends using more environmentally-friendly, fourth-generation liquid blowing agents together with pentane as well as other additives.
The initiative framework calls for solutions in six main areas: sustainability, increased fire safety, improved insulation properties, durability, affordability and ease of use. In the past, the company has supplied polyurethane foam systems for several iconic projects in the Gulf region, including Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates
Initially, new products will be developed for the Middle East region, followed by variations for other international markets.
Development of each new product line will follow an established R&D timetable spread over a six-month or longer period divided into four main stages: design process, product development, product trialling, and end-product delivery.
The designated head of research and development at Pearl Polyurethane Systems, Ilhan Kurt, said: “With sustainability goals firmly in mind, our R&D team will be addressing a range of questions, such as how to employ environmentally-friendly, fourth-generation blowing agents, pentane, and other mixing agents more effectively to substantially improve insulation properties while ensuring affordability is maintained. Our challenge is to continually improve on current industry standards. Finding the right balance between all these key factors is our main objective.