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Luphen® - High-performance polyurethane dispersions for durable adhesives in the furniture, automotive and footwear industries

Technical lamination processes are designed for products intended for long-term use. In industries such as furniture, automotive, and shoe manufacturing, where high-performance is essential, polyurethane (PU) dispersions are the preferred choice. BASF's Luphen^® product line offers high-performance PU dispersions for a variety of applications.

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Key benefits of Polyurethane Dispersions (PUD)

High performance adhesive
Low activation temperatures
Very low VOC due to water-based formulation
Low carbon footprint
Biodegradable PUD range

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High performance adhesive

Their versatile adhesion and superior strength make polyurethane dispersions ideal for demanding bonding applications. Their longevity contributes to significant resource savings.

Low activation temperatures reduce energy consumption

These adhesives bond effectively at low temperatures, resulting in lower operational costs and enhanced safety during processing.

Very low VOC release

Due to their water-based formulation, Luphen^® brand polyurethane dispersions release very few volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These environmentally friendly products meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions

Low carbon footprint

Many Luphen® products are available as Biomass Balance (BMB) versions, supporting the substitution of fossil resources with renewable feedstocks in BASF’s value chain via a certified mass balance approach. These products are independently certified according to the REDcert² or ISCC PLUS scheme for the chemical industry.

Biodegradable PUD range

Our biodegradable polyurethane dispersion (PUD) products provide a convenient solution for applications where recycling or reuse is challenging. They enable more responsible disposal and reduce environmental impact.

Highlight products

Luphen® 3615

Luphen^® 3615 is a 40% aqueous dispersion of an aliphatic polyesterpolyurethane elastomer. The formed film can be activated by heat at 60-65 °C enabling the manufacture of heatsealing adhesives. Luphen^® 3615 has a limited hot-tack life.

Luphen® 3695

Luphen^®3695 is a 50% aqueous dispersion of an aliphatic polyesterpolyurethane elastomer. The formed film can be activated by heat at 55-60 °C enabling the manufacture of heatsealing adhesives. Luphen^®3695 has a limited hot-tack life.

Luphen® 3644

Luphen^® 3644 is a 50% aqueous dispersion of an aliphatic polyesterpolyurethane elastomer. The formed film can be activated by heat at 60-65 °C enabling the manufacture of heatsealing adhesives. Luphen^® 3644 has a limited hot-tack life.

Luphen® D DS 3548

Luphen^® D DS 3548 is a 45% aqueous dispersion of a partly aromatic polyesterpolyurethane elastomer. The formed film can be activated by heat at 60-65 °C enabling the manufacture of heatsealing adhesives. Luphen^® D DS 3548 has a prolonged hot-tack life.

Luphen® 3685

Luphen® 3685 is a 40% aqueous dispersion of a partly aromatic polyesterpolyurethane elastomer. The formed film can be activated by heat at 60-65 °C enabling the manufacture of heatsealing adhesives. Luphen® 3685 has a limited hot-tack life.

Luphen® D 207 E

Luphen® D 207 E is a 45% aqueous dispersion of a partly aromatic polyesterpolyurethane elastomer. The formed film can be activated by heat at 65-70 °C enabling the manufacture of heatsealing adhesives. Luphen® D 207 E has a limited hot-tack life.

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Technical support

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Replacing solvent-borne adhesives

Luphen^® products are an environmentally friendly alternative to high-performance, solvent-borne adhesives. They are low emission, and more sustainable, especially in its biomass balance version, which helps save significant CO₂ emissions.

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A molecular structural model of polyurethanes in water: crosslinked PUR chains with urethane and urea groups, hydrophobic segments forming spherical or fibrous clusters, hydration shells and water bridges around polar sites, and conformational changes driven by solvation and hydrogen bonding.

BASF's Application Guide for Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs) for Industrial Adhesives

Polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) have been a key technology in industrial adhesives for decades and continue to play an essential role across a wide range of applications.

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Discover the potential of our adhesives across different industries!

FAQ

What is a polyurethane dispersion?

A polyurethane dispersion (PUD) is a high-performance, water-based polymer used in advanced adhesives and coatings. It combines excellent bonding strength with environmental benefits, making it a preferred technology for modern industrial adhesives and sustainable waterborne adhesive systems.

Why are polyurethane dispersions ideal adhesive polymers?

As versatile adhesive polymers, polyurethane dispersions deliver strong adhesion, flexibility, and durability across a wide range of substrates. Their balanced performance profile makes them a core building block for premium polymer adhesives used in demanding industrial environments.

What advantages do waterborne adhesives offer?

Waterborne adhesives based on polyurethane dispersion technology provide low VOC emissions, low odor, and safer handling. They support more sustainable manufacturing while maintaining the high performance expected from modern adhesive technologies.

How does polyurethane dispersion formulation impact performance?

Precise polyurethane dispersion formulation enables manufacturers to tailor properties such as tack, elasticity, heat resistance, and cohesion. This flexibility allows the development of customized industrial adhesive solutions for specific applications, substrates, and processing requirements.

Where are polyurethane dispersions used in adhesive coating applications?

In adhesive coating processes, polyurethane dispersions enable uniform film formation, excellent wetting, and reliable bonding. They are widely used in coatings and adhesives for packaging, textiles, automotive interiors, and technical laminations.

Are polyurethane dispersions suitable for spray-applied adhesives?

Yes. Many polyurethane dispersions are optimized for spray-applied industrial adhesives. Their controlled rheology and stability ensure accurate spray patterns and consistent bonding performance, even in automated production lines.

How do polyurethane dispersions enhance industrial adhesives?

Compared with many conventional adhesive polymers, polyurethane dispersions offer outstanding durability, flexibility, and resistance.. This makes them a preferred choice for high-value industrial adhesives where long-term performance and process reliability are critical.

Which industries benefit from polyurethane dispersion–based adhesives?

Polyurethane dispersion technology is widely used in footwear, furniture, automotive, construction, textiles, and flexible packaging. In these industries, industrial adhesive suppliers rely on PUD-based systems to deliver robust and sustainable bonding solutions.

What should customers expect from polyurethane dispersion manufacturers?

Leading polyurethane dispersion manufacturers provide consistent product quality, formulation expertise, and technical support. Close collaboration ensures that industrial adhesive solutions meet both performance targets and regulatory requirements.

How are polyurethane dispersions shaping next-generation adhesive and coating solutions?

Polyurethane dispersions are shaping the future of adhesives and coatings through continuous innovation, including bio-based raw materials and multifunctional performance profiles. They remain a key technology platform for next-generation adhesives technology across global industrial markets.