Teknor Apex Co. has expanded its range of thermoplastic elastomers by adding cost-effective styrenic-based types to its Sarlink lineup. Teknor claims the new products provide similar or improved performance compared with its Sarlink thermoplastic vulcanizates.
Teknor, based in Pawtucket, R.I., says the new styrenics are aimed at automotive components. They show strength and elasticity comparable to TPVs while providing smoother part surfaces and equivalent or better long-term UV stability. They also allow a wider processing window in injection molding.
“Unlike the widely used TPV automotive compounds with which the Sarlink brand has been identified, the Sarlink TPE-S compounds are not affected by variations in the price of EPDM rubber, a key ingredient in TPV manufacture,” notes Ger Vroomen, Teknor's senior marketing manager for automotive. EPDM costs rose sharply in the past and properties of the new TPE-S compounds make them practical alternatives to TPVs, he explains.
The styrenic TPEs can be custom color-matched and don't require pre-drying, according to Teknor. However, TPVs resist hydrocarbon fluids better and have a higher service temperature.
Teknor's four new styrenic TPE series are geared to high-performance extrusion, general-purpose extrusion, high-performance injection molding and general-purpose injection molding.
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