Jill Deamer

Did you ever stop to think about what makes high performance outdoor athletic running tracks so satisfying?  They offer just the right measure of support, cushioning, and even “bounce” to supplement sports competition and give participants out on the field a reliable surface space to perform upon—in the moments they need it most.  The same applies for the myriad safety benefits offered by today’s most advanced playgrounds and play equipment spaces designed to keep our children protected, while they enjoy a safe, state-of-the art outdoor play experience with their young peers.

Both technologies—athletic running trucks and play area surfaces—are made possible by cured polyurethane binder applications that deliver just the right blend of adhesion and durability to support those who train and play hard outdoors.  Structure matters when it comes to athletics—and having the right surface upon which to perform is an essential, but often overlooked, aspect of the overall athletic experience.

The world class chemists at Carlisle Polyurethane Systems have perfected the gold standard surface material that Americans—of all ages—who love to run, jump, play, train and win have come to rely upon. TruMotion products are single-component, moisture-cured binders for poured-in-place safety surfaces and outdoor running tracks.  They are available in four distinct chemistries, including two IAAF certified track systems, designed to offer athletes—from pre-school to premium elite performers—the highest quality recreational surfacing on the market.  Additionally, TruMotion is the industry’s most reliable and installation-friendly product for a wide range of applications and installation needs.

Starting “At the Very Beginning”

Although many of us may not remember it, our first exposure to “athletics” starts on the playground.  That’s where budding young sprinters, runners and teammates give it their all—swinging, jumping and leaping from play equipment to the ground surface, and back up again.  And it’s important that these early “sporting” experiences be safe, positive and healthy. This is where TruMotion comes into play.

TruMotion taps a deep heritage in the development of advanced technology using polyurethane binder rubber applications and consists of an array of products designed exclusively for playground surface installation.  These uber safe playground surface solutions are mixed and poured right on-site to produce a highly durable and weather resistant surface, available in a host of vibrant hues and designed to preserve color fastness.  Key performance features include aliphatic binders to ensure bright, non-yellowed surfaces; custom binding formulations to withstand temperature variations and humidity; and the ability to repair and refurbish existing playground surfaces that need a fresh look or renewed performance.  They offer the extra safety to support young adventurers who play hard and require a resilient cushioning when they take unexpected tumbles.

Growing Up within the Industry

Through the years, TruMotion technology has also advanced to meet even more demanding end-user requirements and needs for customized installations.  The same technology team that makes durable, comfortable polyurethane rubber applications for community and school playgrounds also supports high performance outdoor training and competition.  The TruMotion running track line includes one-component moisture cured polyurethane binders; one- and two-part polyurethane structural sprays; aliphatic structural sprays (available for when a UV stable surface is required); and full pour elastomer systems for a variety of uses.  As a product member of the American Sports Builders Association, or “ASBA,” this technology provides the physical foundation that helps enable athletes to compete at their very best.

Just like our pour in place playground surface solutions, our proprietary outdoor running track surfaces offer color-fast reliability and custom design offerings to match the décor of even the most high-end, elite athletic training and competition facilities.

For more information on TruMotion and our line of available solutions, please click here.

As we near the close of the year, most everyone working in the polyurethanes marketplace—and in the many vertical industries the technology serves —will agree that 2021 was a year like no other.  From the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to the subsequent global supply chain crisis, almost all business categories—and certainly those in the manufacturing, construction, automotive and electrical fields—have been either directly or indirectly impacted.  But there is good news as we move into 2022 in the form of robust infrastructure spending ahead that will likely have a trickle-down effect on the polyurethanes space.

Last month marked the passage of phase 1 of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package.  According to business publication Quartz, the $1.2 trillion package, which the President has lauded as a “once in a generation” program, will “rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, and ensure every American has access to high-speed internet.”  A significant portion of the bill’s financial commitment has been “earmarked to repair roads, highways, and bridges”—giving a hefty boost to construction spending.

While many of the elements in the bill speak to heavy national development projects, polyurethanes certainly can, and will, play a supporting role.  Carlisle Polyurethane Systems manufactures and markets materials such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, binders and elastomers, which all have a hand in various facets of the development and building construction and improvement fields.

While the new infrastructure program will focus heavily on the transportation sector—erecting new bridges and highways, resurfacing roads, completing supporting structures, and other ancillary programs such as broadband development —the plan includes a “wide range of physical infrastructure projects” and, according to the New York Times, plans for “electric grid and housing, efforts to jump-start advanced manufacturing, and (projects for) other industries.”  For example, the program includes $42 billion for ports and airports, and another $85 billion for transportation, that will likely include development of bus stations, terminals and other facilities that will rely on polyurethane innovation and supporting technology in their interiors.

Additionally, the White House—in implementing the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA)—aims to enact a plan that “creates good jobs, boosts U.S. global competitiveness, strengthens supply chains and acts against inflation.” (Source: For Construction Pros).  The development industry is hopeful that, once the groundwork is laid for the program to come into fruition, it will help to further address the stagnation of raw materials availability and distribution and kickstart growth within the entire building category—ultimately, helping to stimulate overall construction starts.

It’s important though to note that, according to For Construction Pros, what “the IIJA represents is not a stimulus bill designed to give an immediate boost to the economy,” but rather a package “designed as a longer-term approach to rebuilding American competitiveness through infrastructure.”  Experts counsel that it will take time and significant effort to properly prepare the nation and various supporting industries for the work to be done—so patience will be required across the manufacturing sector.  But the opportunity for a host of vertical industries to be positively impacted by the bill’s passage looks to be promising.

How does Carlisle Polyurethane Systems figure into this equation?

For most every spray, pour, and cast application customers might require, Carlisle Polyurethane Systems, part of the Carlisle Companies family, brings advanced problem-solving solutions to ensure that our materials match our customer’s specific application needs.  As the leading independent polyurethane systems house in North America, our company is dedicated to delivering innovative polyurethane technology and solutions to our network with the speed, scale, and efficiency necessary to meet the demands of a rapidly growing marketplace.  Our brand’s dedication to delivering customized solutions to disciplinary industries is what truly sets Carlisle Polyurethane Systems apart from nearly every other polyurethane chemistry space player.  And, now with years of national infrastructure development ahead of us, we will rise to the occasion to support various industries—such as construction, flooring, landscaping, filtration, electronics and other industrial fields—as the Administration’s many anticipated projects take center stage beginning in the New Year.

For more information on polyurethane materials—such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and rigid casting—and the role this technology plays in supporting a variety of industrial and commercial industries, please visit www.CarlislePS.com.

Once again, the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the U.S. consumer marketplace another curveball.  Thanks to a widespread semiconductor shortage and “exponential increase” in demand for microchips, which are in short supply, new cars and trucks may be harder to come by in America and other parts of the globe.  This may come as tough news for many to accept just as throngs of consumers across the nation are anxious, following so many months of pandemic restrictions and limited shopping options, to possibly purchase a brand-new vehicle this year.  But the current microchip crisis may take things in a different direction.

Since the automotive industry in the U.S. isn’t the only sector impeded by the semiconductor and microchip shortage, it makes the situation all the more complicated, as the new vehicle market is effectively “competing” with other industries for supply availability.  It does appear, however, that the automotive sector has been disproportionately impacted.  According to Car and Driver magazine, recent studies show that “U.S. car makers are bearing the brunt of the chip shortage.”  A report for AutoForecast Solutions near the beginning of summer also noted that “more than 25 different car models have lost at least 10,000 units of North American production to the parts shortages so far this year.”

This dynamic has been made even more complex because many global automakers down shifted production in 2020 during the initial Covid-19 pandemic wave.  (This being a direct result of the many worldwide “stay at home” lockdowns, as well as anticipation of less-than-zealous buyers visiting new car showrooms.)  And now—as restrictions in many parts of the U.S. have eased (despite the recent Delta variant surge) and consumers have a greater overall comfort in possibly making larger retail purchase—supply chain issues have forced the automotive and new car industry into another “wait and see” holding pattern.

This has been tough news economically for the automotive dealer-retailer segment and for car consumers.  The Washington Post stated last month that “17 auto factories in North America and Europe have halted or reduced production in recent weeks over the scarcity of the tiny components”…and “shutdowns have affected plants in Michigan, Kentucky and Kansas” (in addition to other global top manufacturing sites).  But there may be alternative solutions for consumers.  While cars are in short supply, auto and truck enthusiasts can instead turn to getting the most mileage out of their existing vehicle (sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, vans and RVs)—and find fresh, creative ways to make something old “new” once again.

Surprisingly, that well-used car or truck sitting in the garage is suddenly making a hot comeback like never before. 

And there is no technology more poised to help step in and offer customers an affordable facelift for their vehicles than Bullet Liner.  Our premier elastomer spray-on protective coating is exactly what aging cars and pick-ups need to extend their vehicle’s lifecycle and rejuvenate both value and overall functionality.  For the past three decades, Bullet Liner has pioneered the protective spray-on protective sealant category, offering high quality coating that provides a “high caliber shield” against road debris and abrasion, dents and dings, extreme weathering and sun damage.  Bullet Liner’s heavy duty, tensile strength coating can help keep car, truck and off-the-road vehicle exteriors—and even interiors—looking sharper and lasting longer.

In terms of sun exposure alone, Bullet Liner prevents premature fading, cracking and peeling, especially when vehicles stored in climate-extreme outdoor areas spend hours baking in the heat without covering.  Bullet Liner also offers color protection from UV sunlight and won’t bubble or flake, even after months of use.  When the climate pendulum swings just as strongly in the other direction, Bullet Liner protection doesn’t miss a beat.  It still will still not peel or fade.  What’s more, Bullet Liner’s water-tight seal keeps rust and corrosion-causing moisture and ice from damaging your ride.

In fact, our spray-on coating is not only color safe, but it’s also bleed-safe.  Our technology solutions have been subjected time and time again to extensive testing (both in rigorous laboratory conditions and in the field) to ensure that—even in varying weather degrees such as cold, heat and humidity—Bullet Liner formulations remain resilient and perform well on a multitude of vehicle surfaces.

Additionally, our spray on coating is available in an array of colors and can be custom matched to existing exterior paint jobs.  And for this reason, our elastomer sealant is more than simply a protective agent—it also offers an affordable trusted way to add to new color and style to an older, aging vehicle.  In addition to delivering an ideal solution for exterior vehicle surfaces such as wheel wells, fenders, bumpers and truck beds, Bullet Liner sealant also provides a viable means of refreshing car and truck interiors as well.  Our formulations can easily be applied to vehicle floors, certain types of seats, steering wheels, dashboards, various interior surfaces, glove compartments, and more.

Bullet Liner is a durable, consistent sealant that can cover damaged or blemished areas of car and trucks to offer a fresh new look, even while the vehicles themselves may not be brand new.  The simple addition of our spray-on sealant can add years to an existing purchase for the enjoyment of both passengers and drivers.  Qualified spray shops across America receive specialized training to apply Bullet Liner sealant for professional “off the showroom” stylings that can often rival new car aesthetics.

To learn more about how Bullet Liner technology can offer an alternative solution to a new vehicle purchase this year as pandemic related supply chain issues persist, or to learn more about how your automotive aftermarket business can assist car and truck consumers during this time, please visit www.BulletLiner.com.

In many parts of the U.S., it’s been a cold winter.  If you happen to be a boat owner—depending on what part of the country you reside in—while you’ve been hunkered down and trying to stay warm, your prized marine vessel has likely been covered up and waiting out the season in dry dock.  But as we near the spring months, temperatures will quickly start to warm—and the cooler weather will begin to wane.  If you’re a mariner, then you know it’s time to start looking toward the day you’ll launch your boat and hit the open water.  The close of the winter season is a great time to prepare for the upcoming recreational boating season.

Anyone who is a serious aficionado of the boating lifestyle knows that it is most definitely not an inexpensive pastime.  Whether you own a dinghy, motorboat, sailboat, or a luxury yacht, the constant upkeep required—and never-ending money you’ll need to siphon into your passion—is no small commitment.  From readying key equipment for seasonal use to ensuring that your boat exterior remains in top condition, you’ll need to dedicate time and resources to protect your investment.

Aside from technical maintenance and a concern for the obvious operational safety issues, probably the number one task at hand heading into boating season is to make sure your vessel is cleaned and looking sharp.  Unless your entire boat deck has been covered throughout the winter months (which is unlikely for anything larger than a fairly small vessel), the days spent weathering the climate and baking in the sun (despite the chilly temperatures) can do a number on your paint job and external trimmings.  This is where Bullet Liner’s premium protective sealant can really assist.

Bullet Liner is the industry’s leading elastomer coating.  The technology, which literally led and pioneered the spray-on sealant marketplace with the creation of its polyurea coating over 30 years ago, offers a durable and affordable way to guard against outer surface damage to your boat.  Bullet Liner offers an all-in-one solution that, when properly applied, delivers a high-caliber, heavy-duty tensile strength shield for a variety of exposed and weather-prone exteriors.

Bullet Liner was first developed as a “bed liner” technology for pick-up trucks—to provide a scratch-resistant coating to protect against road debris, dents, dings, and cargo movement.  The industry grew from that initial application to include a Bullet Liner premium sealant available for use across North America on a variety of surfaces.  For the car and truck space, Bullet Liner can be applied to any exterior area vulnerable to denigration—including wheel wells, bumpers, running boards, spare tire covers, vehicle hoods, trunks, and more.  Our protective coating can also be applied inside vehicles to protect floors, seating areas, dashboards, glove compartments, and even steering wheels.  The technology is particularly useful for off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, motorbikes, and more), where flying mud and rocks can quickly damage a variety of vehicle surfaces—affecting both operations and the physical appearance of your most prized recreational investments.

The same applies for boat exteriors—Bullet Liner provides a protective coating designed to keep your boat looking polished and free from scuffs and dents, to protect against damage from dropped or moved objects and equipment on the boat’s deck, or prevent abrasion from dock contact.  Additionally, Bullet Liner provides a “no-slip grip” surface coating that makes deck areas measurably safer.  One of the greatest concerns on the open water is that a slippery deck can prompt unsecured items to quickly slide, causing potential loss of inventory or, most importantly, injury to passengers.  If you have family members, children, pets or other boating novices aboard, the incidence for bodily harm increases dramatically with a wet, unstable deck—and Bullet Liner adds one additional measure of protection.

Another critical role that elastomer protective coating can play is in keeping your boat’s bright colors looking brilliant—despite the obvious beating they take from the elements.  Any nautical pro knows that Mother Nature is a formidable foe when it comes to recreational boating.  Even the most pristine paint job is only as good as its ability to withstand the harshest weathering.  Bullet Liner offers excellent UV protection to keep color integrity, and provide a safeguard against rust, moisture/dampness, sunlight, wind and more.  We can color match every palette shade for a customized finish.  If your boat is your pride and joy, make sure that it looks top notch—both while in use on the open water, and in dock.

In addition to offering reliable surface protection—that won’t peel, fade, chip or bubble—for traditional boats, Bullet Liner also can protect your investment in a variety of other marine-related equipment that can take the same beating on the water.  Whether you’re into surfing, paddleboarding, Jet Skiing, water skiing, or other ocean, lake or river-related recreational past times, the same technology solutions are available to keep your investments—and their potential resale value—strong.

Even if you’re a Do-It-Yourselfer (DIY) and love the thrill of undertaking your own boat renovation, Bullet Liner can complement your independent deck redo project and integrate with your color scheme selection and existing project to spruce up your new or existing purchase—from bow to stern.  Our spray teams utilize top of the market Graco equipment to deliver an affordable, end-to-end coating solution that will enhance both the appearance and functionally of your boat.

For more marine vessel renovation options and to learn more about Bullet Liner solutions for the boating industry, please visit www.BulletLiner.com.

Carlisle Polyurethane Systems is a leader in athletic and playground surface materials. Our Tru-Motion™ product line utilizes polyurethane binder and EPDM rubber to make playground and outdoor public exercise areas safer and more resilient for children, athletes and the general community. Carlisle technology combines binder and rubber products to maximize performance and cushion.

Our Tru-Motion products provide an eco-friendly, highly durable, visually appealing ground surface that covers the entire span of the playground’s flooring. This “pour in place” technology delivers an aesthetic, long-lasting “Safer Surface” for the children or individuals who are using the state-of-the-art playground or recreation equipment.

Over the past five years, this technology has been deployed in marquee areas of our national community. One such high profile installation includes a project created by Carlisle’s Accella Performance Materials—a company that Carlisle purchased in 2017—for the National Park and Recreation Association (NPRA) and their Trojan Park Playground development, located in Wellston, MO in concert with the Great Rivers Greenway. The Trojan Park location was formerly a vacant lot that underwent a complete transformation into a state-of-the-art playground, using an all pour-in-place safety binder.

This spotlight location and case study was particularly unique as the NRPA decided to take on a new challenge of creating a park completely “from scratch” for the first time. The location was chosen as a prime spot to create a revitalized gathering place for youth, families, and adults.

Another spotlight location for Carlisle Tru-Motion technology was a pour-in-play installation for the open-air USS Arizona Memorial Mall at the University of Arizona—as part of a full-scale deck outline of the iconic U.S. battleship that was sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 (which resulted in the tragic loss of 1,177 sailors and marines killed aboard ship during the attack). The USS Arizona Memorial Mall honors these fallen heroes, and calls upon future generations to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

The Memorial Mall is a citizen-funded open-space shaped to replicate the ship’s 97-foot width and 597-foot length. It ceremonially features 1,177 brass medallions – spaced one foot apart, and each inscribed with the name, home state, rank or rating, and ship’s duties for each sailor or Marine lost on December 7th. Pour in place technology created an ideal floor surfacing for the entire project. Recycled EPDM rubber granules – colorized to match the University of Arizona’s cardinal “Brick Red” signature hue – create a visually appealing poured-in-place matting, featured across the Memorial Mall’s primary foot traffic area.

More recently, Carlisle Tru-Motion technology has been tapped for a pour-in-place installation for the upcoming Travis Mills Foundation health center development. The Travis Mills Foundation supports recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help heroic men and women to overcome physical obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. The Foundation’s new Health and Wellness Center, now scheduled to break ground in fall 2021 (due to COVID-19 restrictions), will feature Carlisle’s pour-in-place technology as part of its outdoor recreational areas.

Tru-Motion pour-in-place playground and recreational space applications are just some of the many ways that Carlisle enhances business areas and residential spaces through polyurethane solutions designed to offer improved comfort, safety, sustainability, and performance.

For more information about how these formulations can expand the impact of your business or outdoor development project, please visit www.CarlislePS.com.