A collaboration between DuPont and ExxonMobil Chemical is all about making it easier to open and close vehicle doors and windows. The two chemical companies' latest version of thermoplastic vulcanizates, known as Santoprene TPV B260, will be found in the black seal that goes around a vehicle's door frame and around the window.
Previous versions of the material included organic slip additives, but those were replaced with DuPont's silicone-based additives. An important aspect of the switch is that silicone is stable at high and low temperatures, which gives the material a stronger abrasion resistance and cracking resistance. Ultraviolet light stability was also improved to prevent discoloration.The benefit to consumers is a lower coefficient of friction — in other words, it will be easier to open and close vehicle doors, according to Christophe Paulo, DuPont marketing manager.
Paulo called the ingredient a long-lasting solution that will function the same after 10 years as it will brand new. He estimated that the thermoplastic vulcanizates will reach production vehicles in three years.