Bio-based TPE compounds can be processed using traditional polymer technologies

Bio-based TPE compounds that can be processed using traditional polymer technologies

23-Oct-15

A range of TPE compounds based on raw materials from renewable resources will be launched at Fakuma by the HEXPOL TPE group (which brings together the ELASTO and Müller Kunststoffe businesses). The range, which is called Dryflex Green, is a family of thermoplastic elastomer compounds based on raw materials from renewable resources such as plant and vegetable crops. These compounds display mechanical and physical properties comparable to TPE from fossil based raw materials. They offer flexibility and tensile properties with a soft-touch feel. They can be processed using traditional polymer technologies such as injection moulding and extrusion. These compounds give adhesion to biobased polymers, such as PE, for 2K and multi-component applications. They are also fully recyclable and can be easily coloured. The range includes several series with amounts of renewable content to over 70% (ASTM D 6866) with hardnesses from 50 to 80 Shore A. Klas Dannäs, Global R&D coordinator for HEXPOL TPE commented, “We are excited to introduce low hardness TPE products with such high levels of renewable content to the market. We are seeing increasing demands for the polymer industry to look at how we can work with biobased materials and bring new opportunities for sustainability. Our R&D teams are constantly engineering new polymer combinations and we have been working closely with suppliers to develop sustainable and ethical alternatives to fossil-based raw materials.” Dannäs concluded “Dryflex Green TPE compounds could open up sustainability options in the consumer, automotive, packaging, medical and construction markets. Our global teams will work with our customers and supply partners to further test the possibilities of our Dryflex Green TPE compounds, as we continue to engineer progressive solutions to meet new and emerging market demands”.