Lots of New TPEs Debut.

Recent months have seen an outpouring of new TP elastomer products:

* New Multi-Flex A6202 MR from Multibase, Inc., Medina, Ohio, is a non-plasticized styrenic TPE for PVC replacement in auto interiors. This 60 Shore A grade boasts scratch and mar resistance similar to PVC but passes Ford and GM fogging tests. It can be overmolded with good adhesion to TPO or PP inserts, Multibase says.

* Sequel 2325 is a new TPO for auto interiors from Solvay Engineered Polymers, Auburn Hills, Mich. It is used in roof-pillar covers on 2001 Chrysler and Dodge cars, where it must meet head-impact requirements at -30 to +85 C. It is the softest and toughest resin in the Sequel 2300 series, with a flex modulus of 174,000 psi, instrumented impact value of 238 in.-lb, and ductile behavior throughout the required temperature range. Its MFR of 20 g/10 min allows two-cavity molding of parts 2.5 to 3.5 mm thick.

* Advanced Polymer Alloys (APA), Wilmington, Del., expanded the hardness range of its Alcryn Melt-Processible Rubber with the addition of an 85 Shore A grade. Alcryn 5085BK is aimed at injection molded automotive seals and gaskets. It contains 30% post-industrial reclaim and costs 20% less than other Alcryn injection grades.

* APA also introduced laser-markable formulations of Alcryn, using the FastMark coloring system from M.A. Hanna Color (now PolyOne Corp.)

* Also new from APA is the Alcryn 2100 Series, said to provide improved adhesion to a broader range of substrates in hard/soft overmolding and coextrusion. Initial grades (black and natural) have 60 Shore A durometer. They are said to adhere well to polycarbonate, ABS, PC/ABS, and rigid PVC.

* Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES), Akron, Ohio, introduced what is reportedly the first PP-based thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) for hard/soft overmolding that bonds to ABS, PC, ABS/PC, PS, ASA, PET, and acrylic. Santoprene TPE X8211-55B100 is colorable and has 55 Shore A hardness. Other durometers are planned for the B100 series.

* AES also introduced Santoprene M300 low-fogging TPVs for soft-touch auto-interior uses. Initial black grades have 65A or 80A hardness. Colorable versions are planned. M300 reportedly causes 50% less windshield fogging than other TPEs.

* New soft-feel TPUs for over-molding bond to ABS, PC, ABS/PC, PET, nylon, and many other plastics. BASF Corp., Wyandotte, Mich., says these non-plasticized Elastollan grades are more abrasion resistant than other TPUs. Polyester grade LP9093 has 70A hardness. Polyether LP9175 and LP9179 (FDA approved) are 65-70A. Softer grades are planned.

* Huntsman Polyurethanes, West Deptford, N.J., has added softer grades of 55-70 Shore A to its Avalon TPU line, which started at 75A hardness. One use of the new soft TPUs is in footwear, where TPU can be molded into outsoles while two-component PUR forms the midsole.

* DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers, Leominster, Mass., offers new Sarlink 5000 TPVs, which reportedly offer high uv and color stability, plus low fogging for auto interior and exterior uses, as well as building construction.