Hot products 11683

Why drive in a fog?

Automotive interiors demand plastics that resist fogging and offer a good appearance. Santoprene M300, a new family of thermoplastic elastomers, targets both of these qualities. According to John Christensen, automotive market manager for AES, the M300 grades "have the lowest fog numbers for any soft TPE on the market." At the same time, these new Santoprene formulations exhibit enhanced flow capabilities for the elimination of appearance flaws-such as flow lines, glass variations, and gate blemishes. "They offer a step-change improvement in appearance," Christensen says. Introduced at the Automotive Interiors Show in Detroit, the M300 line currently consists of injection molding grades in 65 and 80 Shore A hardnesses. The 65 Shore A grade yields fogging results of 0.7 mgs under the DIN 75201B standard (100C, 16 hours). "That's more than a 50% reduction compared to earlier TPEs," Christensen reports. He adds that alternative materials, such as PVC and styrenics, typically exceed the 2.0-mg mark.

"They're not even in the same ballpark," he says. The 80 Shore A grade has fogging results of 1.3 milligrams-also a reduction versus earlier grades of a similar hardness. Currently available only in black, the M300 line-up will soon include colorable grades as well. Advanced Elastomer Systems: Product Code 5096

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MPRs: recycle, save money, and bond better

What's good for the environment can be good for the bottom line. The latest grade of Alcryn melt-processible rubber (MPR) contains 30% post-industrial scrap and sells for about 20% less than virgin grades, reports David Santoleri of Advanced Polymer Alloys. Called Alcryn MPR 5085BK, the material has an 85 Shore A hardness and retains nearly the same property profile as virgin Alcryn. "The recycled grade is just a bit stiffer," Santoleri reports. While suitable for any application requiring durability and chemical, fuel, or weather resistance, the 5085BK primarily addresses automotive needs. "The automakers increasingly want materials with recycled content," Santoleri notes. "And this material is 'green' by automotive standards."

For all its benefits in durability and chemical resistance, Alcryn MPR always had some shortfalls in the bonding department. That's about to change, however, with the new Alcryn 2100 Series. According to Santoleri, this new Alcryn formulation bonds to PC, ABS, PC/ABS, and PVC. Available in both extrusion and injection-molding grades, the material's primary focus will be as an overmolding alternative to TPE in the tool and appliance industries, Santoleri says. The 2100 Series, which comes in black or natural, covers a hardness range from 60 to 80 Shore A. Advanced Polymer Alloys: Alcryn MPR 5085BK-Product Code 5097

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Alcryn 2100 Series-Product Code 5098 or Circle 571

Harder TPU handles the pressure

Estane thermoplastic urethane (TPU) now comes in harder grades that bring together chemical resistance, high-heat profile, and clarity for hose, tube, and profile applications. "The material is ideal for use in dynamic, high-abuse applications such as pneumatics and material conveyance," says BF Goodrich Commercial Manager Elliott Pritikin. The harder grade materials have a shore hardness range from 49 to 57 Shore D and have typical tensile strengths from 8,000 to 10,000 psi-properties which translate to higher burst strengths in tubing. According to Pritikin, other materials offer similar hardness and strength but without the clarity and easy processability of TPU. Specialty Plastics Group of BF Goodrich Company: Product Code 5101

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TPEs: Improve softness and clarity, beat heat and oil

Very soft and very clear are the key attributes of Versaflex CL 2000 X, a new thermoplastic elastomer. With a hardness of 3 Shore A, the material is "almost Jell-O-like," reports Walter Ripple of GLS. Versaflex is also water-clear. "If you put a sample in front of you, it seems to disappear," Ripple says, noting that the material will accept a variety of conventional and special-effect colorings. According to Ripple, the material lacks the oily, tacky feel common in very soft TPEs. "It feels better than previous materials," he says. This Versaflex can be extruded or injection molded-including overmolding onto polypropylene. Applications include sporting goods equipment, grips, and personal care products.

For high-temperature applications needing oil and chemical resistance, Versalloy thermoplastic elastomers may fit the bill. According to Ripple, the entire line of materials can withstand temperatures above 250F. Suitable for injection molding and extrusion, the line covers a hardness range from 45 to 65 Shore A, including an FDA grade at 55 Shore A. Applications include tool grips and garden equipment.

GLS Corp.: Versaflex CL 2000 X: Product Code 5099

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Versalloy: Product Code 5100

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