This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
TPEs | Innovation


Right: PolyOne GLS is one of many TPE producers


looking hard at the emerging market for wearable


electronic devices


tional basis. We initially ap- proached DuPont in Colombia and later met with Rick Tobar, DuPont development manager in the US. This meant that Curve ID had support in its New York


studio, while MUMA could liaise with local contacts in Colombia.


“We were looking for a thermo-resist- ant elastomer that was both strong and fl exible; one that would also maintain its


elastic properties during its lifetime. We wanted back support that would mould to the user’s individual lumbar requirements. And in addition to this, we were looking for a renewably sourced material. Hytrel RS exceeded our expectations, proving to be a vital aesthetic and functional choice.”


Juan Carlos Bedoya, MUMA CEO, explains the need


Below: MUMA selected Hytrel RS from DuPont for the fl exible back on its the DNA Ingo offi ce chair


to differentiate the chair from the many existing mesh products in the market: “Since we wanted to compete in the mesh market, the backrest should have a net appearance, which meant we had to work with a material that offered a good fl ow rate during the injection moulding process, in order to copy the geometry and dimensions of the product easily.” DuPont provided Curve ID with samples of materials


so that stress tests and prototyping could take place. Curve ID designers worked with the DuPont team to understand the parameters of Hytrel RS and how it performed when tested against different patterns. The aim was to fi nd the right geometry to satisfy both aesthetic and ergonomic requirements, while making the most of the material’s capabilities. Test results were shared with the DuPont team, who then offered advice on the next steps in the development of the backrest. MUMA, DuPont and Curve ID also


explored how the material responded to the original requirements in terms of its behaviour and mechanical properties. Thanks to the experience and knowledge of


DuPont in computer simulation, several different analyses were completed that allowed MUMA to understand the material’s


performance during the injection and


post-injection process. The technical collaboration from DuPont helped MUMA overcome concerns it had, enabling it to predict and prepare for the result of the fi nal production process.


24 INJECTION WORLD | April 2014


Arkema recently extended its range of Pebax RNew 90% bio-based polyether-block-amide TPEs with Pebax RNew 80R53, a rigid grade that it says “goes beyond the limits of thermoplastic elastomers.” Intended


principally for ski boots, the new grade is 50% more rigid than existing Pebax products already used for alpine touring and cross-country ski boots. All Pebax grades have high long-term UV resistance and high performance under extreme cold conditions. “In addition, thanks to its rigidity and outstanding processability, Pebax Rnew 80R53 allows unequalled design


freedom for thinner and even more lightweight and dynamic shoes,” Arkema claims. Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), now well into their 60s, are among the oldest TPEs. COIM in Italy has just launched a new range of TPUs based on renewable resources, called Laripur RS. It says the range will cover all traditional applications for TPUs. COIM was unable to provide further details in time for Injection World’s publication deadline. Lubrizol (which already has bio-based TPUs in its


Pearlthane ECO product line) has introduced aliphatic- based Estane and Pearlthane TPUs to complement its aromatic TPU portfolio (Pearlthane is the name previously used by Merquinsa, which Lubrizol acquired in 2011). Aliphatic TPUs show much better colour stability than aromatic types when exposed to light. Grades are intended for automotive, sports and recreation, and portable electronics. Pablo Alegre, Lubrizol Estane EMEAI marketing manager for electronics, says the new materials exhibit “faster processing and good mechanical properties, while providing good haptics, an excellent surface fi nish and nice aesthetics.”


Click on the links for more information:  www.en-plast.comwww.kraiburg-tpe.comwww.rtpcompany.comwww.exxonmobilchemical.comwww.teknorapex.comwww.softergroup.comwww.glstpes.comwww.multibase.comwww.apiplastic.comwww.dow.com/elastomerswww.dsmep.comwww.plastics.dupont.comwww.arkema.comwww.coimgroup.comwww.lubrizol.com


www.injectionworld.com


PHOTO: POLYONE


PHOTO: DUPONT


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76