MOSCOW (MRC) -- Kraiburg TPE has presented a new series of thermoplastic elastomers from its Thermolast K family that was specially developed for excellent adhesion and UV resistance in two-component applications with ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), as per GV.
The new compounds are intended for automotive applications such as EPDM window trim and sealing profiles with moulded TPE corner joints and end elements.
Up to now, styrene-butadiene compounds (SBC) and crosslinked thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) rubber have been used in this area. According to Kraiburg TPE, the cost-effectiveness of TPV is limited, however, due to diverse factors in the manufacturing process, in particular the window trim. The EPDM adhesion series offers a good alternative with added value, said the company.
"The production of diverse sealing frames and window trims of EPDM profiles with molded corner and end elements requires new material solutions," said Michael Pollmann of Kraiburg TPE. "The versatility of our TPE technology has made it possible for us to develop a competitive material that solves the phase separation problems of the systems that are currently used. In addition, we have the market expertise and customer orientation for fast implementation of such innovative two-component applications."
The core requirements for corner joints and end elements of window trim profiles include high adhesion and weathering resistance, which are ensured by the long-term process stability of TPE/rubber connection. Furthermore, it is also important to minimise the injection temperature of the TPE solutions and thus reduce the cooling and cycle times of the two-component elements.
According to the company, the AD/EPDM/UV series fulfils all of these requirements by combining adhesion properties with long-term resistance to UV radiation and thermal effects with a hardness of 70 Shore A. Compared to competitive materials, these special TPE products have a high degree of stability. The EPDM profile is neither compressed nor destroyed or deformed. The compounds feature uniform colour fastness of EPDM and TPE and there is no tendency of stickiness or phase separation, said Kraiburg TPE.
The company has examined the suitability of the new materials in comprehensive adhesion, weathering and thermal ageing tests. The tests showed that the cleanliness of the EPDM contact surfaces to the TPE are crucial in these two-component elements and that freshly cut seal profiles result in optimal adhesion, the company said. The processing properties and stability have been optimized in close cooperation with machine and mould manufacturers. The AD/EPDM/UV technology is already being tested by several customers in the automotive industry, said Kraiburg TPE.
As MRC informed previously, in March 2015, for automotive exterior applications with wide flow paths and exceptionally challenging weathering requirements, Kraiburg TPE (Waldkraiburg/Germany) developed a new class of compounds within the Thermolast K family: High-flow compounds.
Kraiburg Rubber (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. was established in 2005 and is part of the Waldkraiburg-based German company Kraiburg Holding GmbH & Co. KG. The company produces a wide range of standard rubber compounds (based on NR, EPDM, CR, AEM, SBR, FKM, etc.) for automotive, building and construction applications, and other industrial markets as well as highly customised products for all kinds of industries at its Suzhou site. The compounds are produced on highly automated and fully process-controlled mixing lines, based on state-of-the-art technology. The company has 130 employees.
MRC