ExxonMobil Chemical Introduces New Softer Santoprene™ TPV That Provides Strong Bond to ETPs

ExxonMobil Chemical has introduced a new softer version of the Santoprene™ thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) that bond with engineering thermoplastics (ETPs). The new Santoprene TPV grades bond well with ETPs, nylons, metals and various polyolefins. This new softer grade has been designed for applications which require a very soft touch feel and strong bonding to ETP materials including polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylic (PMMA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). With good mold design, better looking components can be produced with fewer flow marks. This softer TPV retains its high quality performance properties in various environments including hot air, oil and aqueous solutions. Properties include: long-term sealability and high bond strength to extend the product lifetime; a durable slip-resistant, soft touch feel; chemical resistance and minimal high temperature deformation. In overmolding applications, the new grade eliminates the need for adhesives, bonding agents and physical or mechanical interlocks. This reduces processing steps which can improve product development cycle times and reduce system costs. Additional benefits include easy colorability, design flexibility and improved appearance. The fully cross-linked nature of TPVs provides distinctive physical properties and, because they bond without the need for third-party agents, they can bring applications to market faster and reduce system costs. The Santoprene™ TPV bonding grades launched exhibit exceptional bond strength. Even at thicknesses of less than 1mm, the cohesive bond is stronger than the materials themselves. And because the overmolded material can be so thin, the grades are increasingly being used as an alternative to soft-touch paints. Another ETP bonding grade of Santoprene™ TPV complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for food contact. The new grade is suitable for many types of applications which come into contact with food and liquids including kitchen utensils, cutlery, blenders and processing equipment, food storage containers, small kitchen appliances such as toasters, kettles and microwaves, and caps, seals and closures. For the automotive market, Santoprene TPV bonds to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and EPDM rubber profiles. This grade is designed primarily for glass run channel corner molding applications. Exhibiting excellent compression set for good sealing performance, the grade also has good melt flow properties to produce a glossy, smooth finish which can help harmonize the look of a car. Source ExxonMobil Chemical