Researchers from the University of Silesia have developed a new method of obtaining polyether diols – products for the production of polyurethanes, commonly used in the footwear, automotive, furniture and construction industries. The solution has been patented.

The new method is more efficient – polymers with increased molecular weight are created with lower energy consumption of the process and reduction of side reactions. The polyether diols obtained in this way find application as surfactants, moisturizing agents, lubricants and impact modifiers.

The authors of the solution are scientists of the Faculty of mathematics, physics and chemistry Dr. Eng. Zbigniew Grobelny and Kinga Skrzeczyna, and Dr. Andrzej Swinarew, Dr. Justyna Jurek-Suliga and Jadwiga Gabor from the Faculty of computer science and science about materials.