Solvay Engineered Polymers announces new series of vulcanized TPE with super high-flow performance

Solvay Engineered Polymers, Inc., has introduced a new series of vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers (TPVs) that feature the company's proprietary cure technology. Designated NexPrene® 9500 SHF (super high flow) materials, TPVs in the new series exhibit viscosities that are up to 60% lower than those of conventional thermoplastic elastomers. There are currently six grades ranging in hardness from 55 to 85 Shore A. Each material has been developed to offer injection molders higher melt-flow rates, shorter fill times, longer flow paths, and lower injection pressures. These elastomers are non hygroscopic, so they require no pre-drying prior to processing. Initial evaluations molded parts indicate that surface aesthetics attainable using NexPrene 9500 SHF materials are superior to those achieved using conventional thermoplastic elastomers. Gloss levels are controlled and consistent and weld lines are much less apparent." Materials in the NexPrene 9500 SHF series can be processed at higher temperatures than standard TPVs, up to 260 °C without showing signs of degradation. Processing at elevated temperatures accelerates and improves bonding to other TPVs in applications such as corner moldings for automotive glazing. Source : Solvay Engineered Polymers