A. Schulman expands UHMW PVC based elastomer line

04-Jun-09

US-based global supplier of high performance plastic resins and compounds, A. Schulman, Inc. recently expanded two series of Sunprene® Elastomers to serve the specific needs of the industrial, specialty wire and cable, and heavy truck markets. Based on ultra-high molecular weight PVC, Sunprene Elastomers possess many rubber-like qualities, while offering thermoplastic processing, recyclability, and cost effectiveness compared with thermoset EPDM rubber and traditional thermoplastic elastomers. As a result, they provide exceptional tear and abrasion resistance, high flex fatigue, and excellent low temperature brittleness. The materials can be customized to meet a broad range of performance requirements. The first of the two new series is specifically formulated for extrusion applications and has hardness ranges from Shore 35A to 85A durometer, and a specific gravity range between 1.20 and 1.29. The other series, designed for both injection molding and extrusion applications, has hardness ranges from Shore 57A to 65A Durometer, and a specific gravity range between 1.22 and 1.27. This series provides the added benefit of increased performance in compression set resistance. The primary markets served are industrial hose and tubing, seals and gaskets, conveyor belts, specialty wire and cable, and heavy truck sealing applications.