MATERIALS | THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS
Left: Sarlink RX 3100B TPVs from Teknor Apex contain up to 40% recycled content
ing injection moulding and overmoulding. The two grades – an 84 Shore A and 94 Shore A
– are based on the existing Sarlink 3100 technology, but contain 25% and 40% recycled content, respec- tively. The materials behave similarly to their virgin counterparts but with sustainability benefits, such as a reduced amount if virgin material – which could help OEMs increase sustainable material content in vehicles. Sarlink RX 3100B TPVs are pre-coloured black and can themselves be recycled. Using PIR – rather than post-consumer recyclate
from household waste – gives a more controlled, consistent raw material stream. Teknor Apex says it treats recycled feedstocks like prime raw materials. “Our ongoing projects include new sustainable
raw materials streams such as recycled and bio-based content, as well as carbon negative additives,” said Scott Nakon, global automotive market manager at Teknor Apex. “We also plan to introduce new TPEs with up to 65% post-consumer recycled content.”
Flexible presentation Mocom recently presented a range of its olefin- based TPEs at the DKT exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany. “With our new product developments, we are pursuing a path towards more sustainable and safer materials with customised functionalities for technical solutions,” said Stefan Zepnik, director of Mocom’s technical service centre. It has expanded its Alfater XL range with a new
Below: Cabopol new R-Lacoflex grade of TPE is aimed at automotive under-the-hood applications
flame-retardant TPV (PP+EPDM) which meets rising demand for elastomeric material solutions, particularly in electromobility. Free of halogen, antimony, BPA and PTFE, it has a Shore hardness of A75 and V0 certification at 1.5mm thickness and high heat-aging resistance. The company has also introduced Alfater XL
Eco, available in various hardnesses, including Shore A90. These combine elastomeric properties,
IMAGE: TEKNOR APEX
thermoplastic processing and recyclability. It claims to be a sustainable TPV (PP+EPDM) based on crosslinked EPDM rubber and sustainable raw materials such as recycled PP (post-industrial and/ or post-consumer recycling) with a high CO2 savings potential.
Under the hood Portugal-based Cabopol Polymer Compounds has introduced a new grade of its R-Lacoflex TPE – for automotive under-the-hood applications. The grade integrates up to 25% recycled material, sourced from post-industrial recycling. The com- pany claims this offers a 29% reduction in carbon footprint value compared to previous materials. “By integrating recycled content into our
formulations, we are meeting the quality standards expected in the automotive industry and contribut- ing to a greener future,” said Anselmo Mendes, head of sales at Cabopol. R-Lacoflex compounds were designed for critical components such as air guides for cooling systems, offering good heat and ageing properties, ensuring long-term reliability in demanding conditions.
Antenna design Kraiburg TPE has developed a new thermoplastic elastomer that it says can improve the design of automotive antennas. Its Thermolast R RC/UV/AP materials boast a
range of advantages that claim to “redefine automotive antenna performance”. For one, it incorporates 15-40% recycled raw
materials, aligning with sustainability goals. At the same time, it shows high adhesion to PP, for seamless integration, is low density (allowing lightweight design without compromising durabil- ity) and has a temperature stability up to 90°C, for reliable performance in various conditions.
24 INJECTION WORLD | September/October 2024
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IMAGE: CABOPOL
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