Materials: Thermoplastic Elastomer Hybrids Boast Superior Heat & Chemical Resistance

A new, high-performance class of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) compounds has been developed by Kraiburg TPE (U.S office in Bufird, Ga.). Whereas TPV blends and other materials made by mixing thermoplastics and crosslinked elastomers--mainly known as EPDM/PP blends, combine application properties of elastomers with thermoplastic processability, they are limited when high performance is required such as contact with other media at high temperatures.

Based on the increased demand for materials that are suited for thermoplastic processing but also offer superior heat and chemical resistance, Kraiburg has classified its new materials as thermoplastic elastomer hybrids (TEH) to differentiate them from known TPV blends such as EPDM/PP. “Our TEH manufacturing technology enables us to combine different mixtures of various elastomers and thermoplastics with respective crosslinked systems to form materials with unprecedented properties. Due to their performance, the new materials can be regarded as an alternative to corresponding rubber compounds. Their properties include high media and temperature resistances, which are adjusted to the requirements of each application. This technology gives us the flexibility to tailor the material’s property profile to the requirements of specific applications,” explains Kraiburg TPE’s head of advanced development Dr. Frieder Vielsack,

Resulting compounds can not only be used as an alternative to acommon crosslinked rubber solution that is economically convincing and processable like thermoplastics, but they also offer appealing options for multi-component applications when bonded with technical plastics such as nylons and thermoplastic polyesters. Reportedly, they can be processed with common injection molding machines and extruder lines, do not require any finishing and are completely recyclable. Black and natural are the standard colors. Performance properties of TEH materials include hardness from 55 to 80 Shore A, permanent operating temperatures of up to 150 °C (302 °F) and chemical stability against materials such as oils, lubricants, fuels and coolants. As such, they are particularly suitable for use in  combustion engine environments, in heat management of drives and batteries for electric vehicles, as well as in lubrication and cooling systems of machines, process technology and buildings. Direct applications include seals and gaskets, plugs and connectors, lids and covers.