Kraiburg TPE Corp. reports new thermoplastic elastomer technology that gives materials with optimum grip even the presence of moisture.
Wet grip technology offered under the Thermoplast W trade name provides up to three times the coefficient of friction of conventional TPEs in wet and dry applications. The Duluth, Ga., company claims the benefits have no negative impact on physical and rheological performance.
Thermoplast W has potential in consumer, industrial and medical applications, according to Kraiburg.
The new technology is based on styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers that are permanently incorporated throughout the polymer matrix. The SBS doesn't migrate or interfere with processability in multi-component injection molding and extrusion processes. Kraiburg can adapt the technology to its range of Thermolast styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene elastomer compounds.
“This is a major development for consumer product companies who want to have a competitive advantage, enabling them to make products that are safer and easier to handle,” stated Kraiburg director of sales and marketing Keith Dunlap.
Thermolast W can eliminate the use of tackifiers in wet grip applications or it can be used with tackifiers to get even higher friction coefficients. The compound adheres to engineering resins like ABS and polycarbonate.
Kraiburg expects the wet grip technology will be adopted in a variety of hand-held products, mats and trays, fitness equipment and medical equipment The Duluth company is a subsidiary of Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG of Friedrichshafen, Germany.
Tel.: 678-584-5020, fax: 678-584-0500, e-mail: [email protected].
