Use of Polyurethane Elastomers for Dry Food Handling
Polyurethane elastomers (both polyester- and polyether-based) made with Airthane® and Versathane® prepolymers include components which are on the approved list of substances for producing polyurethane resins for usage in contact with dry food, as outlined in FDA regulations, Code of Federal Register, Title 21, Part 177.1680.

The constraint in using polyurethane elastomers for dry food applications is with the particular curative which may be used.

The following curatives meet FDA dry food handling regulations for chemical composition:

• TMP (trimethylol propane)
• ethylene glycol
• propylene glycol
• Versalink® 740M curative (trimethyleneglycol di-p-aminobenzoate)

The following products DO NOT meet FDA dry food handling regulations for chemical composition:

• MBOCA
• Ethacure® 300 curative
• Lonzacure® MCDEA curative

Trademarks and Suppliers

Ethacure...................................... Albemarle Corporation

Lonzacure........................................... Lonza Group Ltd.