An innovative thermoplastic elastomer hybrid technology was unveiled at Fakuma 2018, the international trade fair for plastics processing.
Innovation in thermoplastics
The new series called TEH (Thermoplastic Elastomer Hybrids) holds specific properties superior to materials currently on the market and can be formulated according to different application needs and thus able to meet new market challenges.
TEH process technology makes it possible to combine different blends of elastomers and thermoplastics with their respective cross-linked systems to formulate materials with unprecedented properties, which is why the new hybrids represent a new performance class for thermoplastic processors.
Better performance in terms of elasticity and strength
These new materials have been classified as hybrids to differentiate them from TPV compounds such as EPDM/ PP.
TPV X-TPV material belongs to the family of Vulcanized Thermoplastic Elastomers. It consists of an EPDM elastomeric phase dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix of a thermoplastic polyolefin nature. The elastomeric phase gives it the elastic properties and softness typical of a rubber , the polyolefin phase gives it the mechanical and thermal properties.
Although they combine the application properties of elastomers with the processability of thermoplastics, they have limitations in cases where high performance is required such as contact with different substances at high temperatures.
Main properties
The main properties of TEH compounds include:
- High resistance to heat and various media (up to 150 °C and to contact with chemicals such as oils, lubricants, fuels and coolants)
- adaptability to the requirements of each application
- Can be used as an alternative to common rubber solutions
- Applicable in multi-component combination (with technical materials such as polyamides and thermoplastic polyesters)
- Can be processed on standard injection molding machines and extrusion lines
- do not require any finishing
- are completely recyclable
- black and natural are the standard colors
Fields of application
They are particularly suitable for under-hood components, in motors, in temperature control systems of electric vehicle drives and batteries, as well as in refrigeration and lubrication of machinery, process plants and buildings. Examples include gaskets, connectors, and covers.
