Waldkraiburg, Germany — Demand for thermoplastic elastomers continues to rise, as OEMs and system suppliers seek to adapt to mobility trends, specifically related to electric vehicles.
In a Jan 22 news release, Kraiburg TPE said it has seen an uptick in the selection of its materials for automotive exterior and interior applications, as well as for automotive engine compartments and power trains. The adaptable property profile of TPEs make them particularly attractive, the firm said, noting durability for car-sharing, as well as practicality for demands such as noise reduction, which is particularly important for electric vehicles.
TPEs also offer good adhesion to engineering plastics, such as polyamides, for two-component injection molding, while providing enhanced thermal conductivity and flame retardancy.
"In addition, there is a strong trend toward lightweight design to reduce the energy consumption of electric vehicles," Michael Pollmann, Kraiburg TPE's director of sales and marketing for EMEA, said in a statement. "…We are striving to coordinate the specifications for each application with OEMs and tier 1 customers as early as possible. In the process, we are using our specific experience from other application areas such as electrical engineering and electronics to accelerate the development, release and launch of applications."
Mobility trends, including electric, autonomous and connected vehicles are driving the need for integrated electronic and sensor systems in vehicles. This, a statement noted, requires materials that provide reliable heat dissipation, secure tightness and shock absorption.
"Special TPEs with a very low compression-set, therefore, provide the perfect properties for durable housing seals made of a cost-efficient two-component composite with other materials, including polar thermoplastics," Kraigburg TPE's release said.
The German compounder also is active in material development in areas such as texture, adhesion, color, wear and scratch resistance, flame retardancy, low VOC and odor emission.