Teknor Apex Co. has developed flexible vinyl compounds with low volatile organic compound emissions, and new thermoplastic olefins that it claims outperform conventional TPOs.The Pawtucket, R.I., company's new vinyl compounds, which reduce VOCs by 80 percent or more, are aimed at profiles and molded items, sheet and extrusion-coated fabric found in institutional furniture and furnishings. Applications include wall coverings, window treatments, baseboards and furniture trim, Teknor Apex said.
The new formulations help manufacturers meet voluntary air-quality standards developed by organizations like Washington-based nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council and its Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design rating system, the company said.
The new family of TPO compounds, named Telcar, is a blend of rigid polyolefin and Infuse olefin block copolymer from Dow Chemical Co. of Midland, Mich. Conventional TPOs have rubber phases of ethylene propylene diene monomer or random ethylene copolymers.
The blends bridge previous cost-performance gaps and provide processors with a true alternative to styrenic block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers, the companies said. The materials exhibit enhanced physical properties, high processability and a versatile range of hardness and fabrication techniques.
Telcar OBC compounds provide more rubberlike elasticity, greater tensile strength, tear strength and elongation compared with TPOs using EPDM or random ethylene copolymer, the firm said. Hardness ranges from single-digit Shore A to 90 Shore A and above.
Compared with styrenic TPEs, the new compounds have better compression set, heat aging, chemical resistance and processability. As well, Telcar OBC provides a smooth feel for soft-touch grips and surfaces.
Teknor Apex envisions uses for the TPOs in food and beverage packaging, office products, medical devices, consumer goods and industrial products like hoses and gaskets.
Tel. 401-725-8000. For TPOs, fax 401-728-5680, e-mail [email protected] apex.com. For vinyl, fax 401-729-0166, e-mail [email protected]