Innovations | thermoplastic elastomers
TPEs rise to new challenges
Competition between styrene block copolymer thermo- plastic elastomers (TPE-S) and olefi nic thermoplastic vulcanizates (o-TPV) is intensifying and injection moulding companies look set to be fi rst in line to reap the benefi ts. “TPE-S compounders are gaining confi - dence in the ability to compete with o-TPVs in applica- tions that are over-engineered and do not require the higher temperature resistance and oil resistance of the o-TPVs,” says Bob Eller, president of consultancy Robert Eller Associates. Properties of TPE-S products, such as compression set, clarity/transparency, and adhesion to key sub- strates such as polyamide via over-moulding or two shot moulding are improving, says Eller. He predicts that improvements in over-moulding and improved substrate adhesion could drive TPE-S grades into higher performance soft touch applications such as automotive grab handles and appliance knobs. Another surface-feel driver into injection moulded
applications, Eller says, has been the growth in portable electronic devices. The target was to achieve the dry touch and silky feel surface pioneered by Dow Corning’s TPSiV, a type of thermoplastic vulcanizate based on silicone elastomer and thermoplastic (see IW April 2014). “Compounders are targeting these applications with improved TPE-S formulations, probably based on the use of masterbatches that convey the specifi c surface feel property,” he says.
www.injectionworld.com
Improvements in TPE formulation technology is seeing SEBS grades
take on TPVs in a range of demanding aesthetic and functional injection moulding applications, writes Peter Mapleston
Eller also highlights the TPE-S improvements being made outside of the injection moulding sector. The latest TPE-S materials are more easily processed by blow moulding, which has long been a stronghold of o-TPVs.
Global and local As with many other markets, globalisation is strongly infl uencing the TPE sector. Eller says his fi rm’s analysis divides the TPE market into four quality/performance tiers: global, glocal, local and bottom-end. “We fi nd this among the useful tools for formulating regional strategies and product positioning”, he says. A similar view is taken by TPE supplier Hexpol TPE.
“We are seeing growth from two sides of the market, each with their own set of requirements,” says Sven-M Druwen, European sales coordinator. “On the one hand
April 2015 | INJECTION WORLD 43
Main image: Teknor Apex
developed new Monprene
over-moulding grades for skin contact
applications in wearable
electronics
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