Innovation | TPEs
plastic phase in the TPSiV. There are also few limits on the colourability of the compounds. “TPSiVs have been very successful in new consumer
electronics applications over the last two to three years, especially with smart watches. These devices have electronics inside the band as well as in the face, and our materials can be moulded over the electronics as well as over thermoplastics,” says Abbadi. The company’s 4000 Series, which contain thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), are aimed at these applications. Abbadi claims an advantage for TiPSiVs over “pure” TPUs that are also targeted at these applications, but which he says lose much of their softness at low Shore values. Nor is there any problem with skin irritation, which has been an issue with some smart watches.
Building on silicones Abbadi says Multibase plans to build on its success with TPSiVs in consumer electronics with the launch in the second half of this year of grades developed specifi cally for soft-touch applications in automotive interiors (there will also be new grades for baby care products, where FDA approval and absence of plasticizers is desired). There will be grades for overmoulding on various thermoplastics. “The grades will answer concerns in the auto
industry about fogging and VOCs, since they contain no volatiles,” says Abbadi. “Just as we have done with our grades for portables, we will be able to colour match grades for specifi c applications, and we can also meet requirements for UV resistance, chemical resistance, dirt pick-up, energy dissipation, and other properties.” Multibase also offers SEBS-based TPEs and more conventional TPVs in its MultiPro and MultiFlex ranges. All grades are available from its four sites in France, the US, India, and China. Italian compounder API, which specialises in TPEs,
Property
Shore A Hardness Density, g/cm3
Tensile strength, MPa Elongation at break, % Modulus 100%, MPa Tension set, %
Tear strength, N/mm Source: So.F
.Ter
recently launched its Neogol series of elastomeric compounds whose main matrix consists of Olefi n Block Copolymers (OBCs). API says Neogol’s chemical structure gives these new compounds excellent resistance to UV radiation and ageing. Their good processability also enables production of parts with high aesthetic qualities, even over large surface areas and low wall thicknesses. The Neogol range is characterised by a degree of
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crystallization that is higher than common olefi n copolymers and derived compounds, with consequential processing advantages such as cycle time reduction, says API. The products in the Neogol family are made with varying hardnesses from Shore A 35 to 90. API says high compatibility with polypropylene and
Figure 3: Mechanical properties of So.F.Ter’s Laprene 8ST.A80
Value 83
0,91 14,5 800 3,1 16 44
polyethylene make Neogol grades a natural choice in overmoulding applications. “Moreover, as a solution to the ever-increasing demands of styrene-free products, they are particularly suitable for specifi c sectors such as hygiene, child care and toy manufacturing as well as the auto- motive, mechanics, electronics & electrical sectors,” it says. The Neogol range also includes food contact grades. Ethylene-octene OBCs were launched several years ago by Dow Elastomers under the Infuse banner. They are aimed at various applications, including fi lms, gaskets, foams and adhesives, as well as injection moulding. The company cites several advantages over alternative polyolefi n
elastomers, including a better balance of fl exibility and high temperature resistance, a higher crystallization temperature, better elastic recovery and compression set properties at both ambient and elevated tempera- tures, and higher abrasion resistance. Dow says the block structure of OBCs offers an
advantaged performance balance of fl exibility and heat resistance compared to random polyolefi n copolymers. Elastomeric properties are retained at low tempera- tures (Tg is -50°C). Crystalline melting point is 120°C. Various types of TPE lend themselves to bio-sourc- ing. Some types based on polyesters, for example, use
April 2014 | INJECTION WORLD 21 Above:
So.F.ter sees big potential in automotive
interiors for its SmarTouch concept
PHOTO: SO.F.TER
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