Kraton Polymers LLC has debuted several new grades of its block copolymers.
Kraton G1643 is durable and highly compatible with polypropylene, according to the Houston, Texas, firm. It features high clarity and improved resistance to blushing and cracking, which can occur in large molded products such as totes and bins. The material also allows reduction of wall thickness. It is suited for applications where clarity and impact strength are important, such as in housewares, medical devices, automotive parts and packaging.
The company also introduced a family of elastomers as alternatives to flexible PVC in wire and cable, hose and sporting goods. The Kraton A family of thermoplastic elastomers is suited to soft grip and other over-mold end uses in markets ranging from personal care to electronics. One grade, A1535, is easily compounded with thermoplastic polyurethanes to reduce hardness and enhance flexibility. As an alternative to PVC, Kraton A materials are halogen-free and approved for direct food contact by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Tel. 800-457-2866 or 281-504-4950, e-mail bing.yang@kra ton.com.