Teknor Apex Company

Bioplastics take center stage.

Two new PP-based Sarlink thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are said to provide the first practical alternative to EPDM foam or sponge in automotive seals, construction weatherstripping, gaskets, and other profiles requiring high resilience.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Two new PP-based Sarlink thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are said to provide the first practical alternative to EPDM foam or sponge in automotive seals, construction weatherstripping, gaskets, and other profiles requiring high resilience.

A TPV used for three years in bumper extensions on selected Renault and Volkswagen models is now expected to be in wider demand by the auto industry.

Transparent material is softest yet and aims at skin-contact applications.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: At the recent MD&M West show in Anaheim, Calif., two suppliers introduced medical-grade TPE compounds.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: New rigid and flexible medical compounds that resist gamma sterilization are available from Teknor Apex Co.,Pawtucket, R.I.

A silky-smooth surface unlike the rubbery touch of most TPVs distinguishes the first vulcanizate products in the Telcar OBC line from Teknor Apex Co., Thermoplastic Elastomer Div., Pawtucket, R.I.

Olefinic TPEs originally comprised only two classes of rubber-modified polypropylene, known as TPO and TPV. More recently, these have been supplemented by new types of olefinic elastomers that can be used on their own or as the rubber component in TPO/TPV compounds. Additionally, a small handful of specialty TPEs using olefinic matrices occupy niche applications.

This first of two articles on directions in TPE development focuses on styrenic, copolyester, polyamide, and TP urethane elastomers. The following article covers olefinics—TPOs, TPVs, and POEs.

Teknor Apex, Pawtucket, R.I., has introduced what it calls the first TPEs that comply with regulations aimed at preventing the transmission of so-called "mad cow disease." Two series of Uniprene and Monprene TPEs comply with the requirements because they contain no animal-derived materials (ADMs) such as lubricants based on beef tallow.

Fewer thermoplastic materials suppliers will make the trip to Chicago this year.

Recent commercialization of a cluster of novel thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) families is promising to boost demand for thermoplastic elastomers in new and challenging industrial and consumer product segments.