TPE Molding Grades target automotive interior parts

New Styrenic TPE Molding Grades for Auto Interiors Provide Higher Flow Than TPVS and Improved Cost/Performance Balance

Teknor Apex Expands Options for Molders of Parts like Knobs and Cup Holder Liners by Offering Styrenic TPEs in Its Sarlink® Range, Alongside Widely Used Sarlink TPVs

PAWTUCKET, RI, U.S.A., – In keeping with its mission of offering multiple compound choices for the same application, Teknor Apex Company has expanded options for injection molders of automotive interior parts by developing styrene block copolymer (SBC) thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with alternative cost/performance profiles to those of widely used thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). The compounds will be introduced at Fakuma 2015 (Stand B5-5315).

Offered alongside TPVs in the company’s Sarlink® range of elastomers, new Sarlink ML-1100 Series and ML-1600 Series styrenic TPEs are general-purpose and enhanced-performance offerings, respectively, and are both available in a wide range of hardness levels. Both series exhibit higher flow than comparable TPV grades, enabling them to be molded into more complex, intricate geometries and to improve cycles through reduced packing and cooling times. Particularly in applications where TPVs could be considered “over-engineered” with respect to performance requirements, the new styrenic TPEs also provide cost advantages.

Recommended by Teknor Apex for such automotive interior applications as bin mats, cup holder liners, and soft-touch grips for knobs and buttons, the styrenic TPEs are already in commercial use in applications for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. They are UV-stable, resist abrasion and scratching, are easily colored, provide good surface appearance and tactile properties, and exhibit low fogging and odor. Unlike many TPVs, they do not require pre-drying prior to molding. (See accompanying table for property data.)

The new series are:

Sarlink ML-1100. These are general-purpose grades that provide the best balance of cost and performance and are recommended for cost-sensitive applications. They are denser than comparable TPVs, with a specific gravity of 1.19. Compounds are available with hardnesses from 30 Shore A to 40 Shore D.

Sarlink ML-1600. With a specific gravity of 1.0, these grades are more similar to TPVs in terms of density and properties but offer a better cost/performance balance. With apparent shear viscosity values lower than those of Sarlink ML-1100 compounds, they exhibit even better flow properties. Compounds are available with hardnesses from 40 to 90 Shore A.

“While some automotive interior applications require the outstanding physical properties of TPVs, our new Sarlink ML-1100 and ML-1600 Series styrenic TPEs exhibit excellent performance in less demanding applications while providing advantages in cost and processing,” said Jeffrey E. Dickerhoof, senior marketing and sales manager for the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex. “By offering both styrenic TPE and TPV elastomers, our goal is to help the customer to select the best possible material for an application, and we intend to extend this ‘polymer neutral’ approach by soon offering styrenic alternatives to TPVs in automotive exterior uses as well.”

Sarlink ML-1100 and ML-1600 Series compounds are available worldwide in both black and natural formulations.