THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS | MATERIALS
Automotive provides the drive for TPEs
The automotive industry continues to be the main driver of growth in thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Numerous new product developments are target- ed at applications under the hood and in the passenger compartment, as well as, to a lesser extent, in exterior elements. Several suppliers cite improvements in adhesion to other materials (typically polyamides, but also other engineering plastics and even glass) to facilitate two-compo- nent injection moulding.
Automotive is not the only market showing demand for TPEs though: markets such as general engineering, building and construction, consumer electronics, and – last but certainly not least – pack- aging are all keeping R&D departments busy at TPE producers. Here is a look at some of the most recent product and business developments.
TPVs for 2K Albis Plastic is expanding its portfolio of PP/EPDM thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) with three Alfater XL 4PA0010 compounds modified to adhere to polyamides. They are available in Shore A hardness
www.injectionworld.com
The appeal of thermoplastic elastomers in performance, tactility and aesthetics is broadening their adoption in applications as diverse as automotive seals and wearable tech, writes Peter Mapleston
55, 70 and 85. Alfater XL is resistant to weathering, ozone, aqueous solutions, acids and alkaline media, and can be used over a wide temperature range from -40°C to +130°C. It can be easily coloured, even with bright colours, Albis says. The Alfater XL 4PA0010 series, designed for two-component (2K) moulding processes, provides excellent adhesion to unreinforced, glass reinforced, and impact modified PA6 and PA66, the supplier says. Peeling tests, conducted according to VDI 2019, typically result in cohesive break for the soft Alfater XL 4PA0010 grades with Shore A55. Albis
Main image: PolyOne says it can help automotive OEMs prepare for VIAQ regulations with OnFlex LO TPEs for HVAC seals, interior trays, fasteners and clips
September 2017 | INJECTION WORLD 39
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