materials | Thermoplastic elastomers
Figure 1: Forecast global market breakdown by TPE type, 2020
Figure 2: Forecast global market breakdown by application, 2020
Commodities TPS: Styrene block copolymer/polypropylene compounds; TPO: Polyolefi n-based TPE compounds containing over 50% rubber; TPV: Polyolefi n-based thermoplastic vulcanizates. High performance TPEs TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers; TPC: Thermoplastic copolyester TPEs; TPA: Thermoplastic polyamide elastomers
global supply footprint, production fl exibility and local technical support,” says R&D Director Georg Ender. “On the other hand, we see customers are looking for suppliers with high levels of expertise in specifi c application areas. Here, industry regulatory require- ments and standards can infl uence product develop- ment in a way which has not been seen in the past and there is increasing importance for application specifi c knowledge. The ability for quick and fl exible adjust- ments and the design of smart properties by using the latest polymers and raw-materials will also differenti- ate TPE suppliers into active drivers or participants.” Confi rmation of the increasing interest from the
automotive industry in high-heat TPEs comes from Joost d’Hooghe, Commercial Director for Engineering Plastics in Europe at DSM. The company has developed grades of its Arnitel thermoplastic polyester elastomer with improved heat resistance that are now coming onto the market, although indications are that they will be mainly used for blow moulding. Typical applications include hot charge air ducts. DSM is expected to release more details on the new HT Arnitel grades shortly.
Table 1: Properties of four styrenic TPEs for injection moulded automotive interior parts
(Source: Patrick Ellis) Among commodity TPEs for automotive, late last year
Teknor Apex expanded its product offering for exteriors by developing TPS types with alternative cost/perfor- mance profi les to those of widely used TPVs. New Sarlink ME-2200 Series TPS types exhibit higher fl ow than comparable TPVs, enabling moulders of exterior components such as gaskets, seals, and trim to process complex, intricate designs while shortening cycles through reduced packing and cooling time. In applications where TPV compounds are over-engineered, the new TPS compounds provide cost savings while still meeting the performance requirements of the part, the supplier says. The new grades are available in hardnesses from 65
Shore A to 40 Shore D. They are said to exhibit excellent UV stability, provide good fl exibility over a wide tem- perature range, and yield a Class A surface appearance. “The compounds are readily coloured and, unlike many TPVs, do not require pre-drying prior to moulding,” says Teknor Apex. Teknor Apex has also expanded options for injection
moulders of automotive interior parts with its Sarlink ML-1100 Series and ML-1600 Series TPS grades. These are general-purpose and enhanced-performance offerings, respectively, and are both available in a wide range of hardness levels. PolyOne is aiming its OnFlex LO thermoplastic
Source: Teknor Apex 36 INJECTION WORLD | May 2016
elastomers at automotive interior applications such as heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) seals, buttons, controls, coin trays and drink holder mats. The materials are claimed to provide a 50% reduction in VOC emissions over current products and a 40% reduction in fogging. “Our new material will play an important role in minimizing further off-gassing of chemicals to help automakers create a healthier, more enjoyable vehicle environment,” says Charles Page, Director of Global Marketing at the company.
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