MATERIALS.

Anti-blocking agents

This company has developed a line of silicone-free, water-based anti-blocking agents. Marketed under the tradename Aqualift, these products are said to have proven very valuable to molders for the transportation industries, pre-dominantly with SBRs. These anti-blocking agents can be purchased as ready-to-use or in concentrate form, making them very cost-effective compared to the stearate baths commonly used, according to the manufacturer. (Franklynn Industries, 167 Commerce Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45140)

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Release coatings

Two semi-permanent release coatings have been developed by the company for organic rubber parts and compounds. McLube 1854 and 1862 are designed to provide maximum releases per application with no transfer or mold buildup. McLube 1854 and 1862 are suitable for use with injection, transfer and compression molding, as well as belting and tire applications. They have proven to be extremely effective with peroxide cured compounds, high filler content and other difficult to process compounds such as FKM, HNBR, CPE, EPDM, ECO, polyacrylics, poly-butadiene, as well as SBR, nitrile, natural, isoprene and other rubber parts, according to the company. Products are said to be user and environmentally friendly. Product attributes are said to include durability and improved flow properties. (McLube Division of McGee Industries, 9 Crozerville Rd., Aston, PA 19014)

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Elastomeric dispersions

Products introduced by the company for the robber industry are said to provide many benefits to the compounder that positively impact product quality and cost. The Elast-O-Sperse line is composed of extruded and strained elastomeric dispersions of active ingredients in pelletized form. Elast-O-Sperse products are designed primarily for mill mix applications. Elast-O-Sperse products are said to offer improved dispersion, faster mix cycles, reduced waste, dust free form, compatibility with all general purpose polymers, better employee environment and housekeeping, and increased bin stability. Typical products available in Elast-O-Sperse form include accelerators, blowing agents, retarders, vulcanizing agents and coagents. (Elastochem, 145 Parker Ct., Chardon, OH 44024)

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Peroxide dispersion

A 45% active paste dispersion of the peroxide 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butyl peroxy) hexane is offered by the company under the tradename Silcocat 1808. This peroxide is typically used for molding HCR (high consistency silicone rubber). Silcocat 1808 is said to provide the compounder with faster incorporation, ease of addition and improved batch to batch uniformity. Silcocat 1808 eliminates dispersion and handling problems associated with the powder and liquid version of this peroxide. Translucent parts can also be produced using Silcocat 1808, as it will not affect color. (Gayson Specialty Dispersions, 30 Second St., S.W., Barberton, OH 44203)

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Fluorocarbon release

XL-1437 WB is a water-based fluorocarbon release agent that is said to offer excellent release for silicone rubber molding, as well as many other elastomers. It can be applied to a cold or hot mold surface by wipe or spray. In a recent plant trial, SC-1437 WB was applied to an ambient temperature, polycholoprene coated mandrel 6" in diameter and 250" in length. It released a 70 durometer silicone robber tube. XL-1437 WB is said to be an excellent candidate for molding applications where the use of silicone-based release agents is restricted. (Releasomers, P.O. Box 82, Bradfordwoods, PA 15015)

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Peroxide curing coagents

Saret coagents are available for peroxide-curing of elastomers. Adding a Saret coagent to peroxide-cured elastomer systems is said to provide compounders with an alternative to traditional sulfur-curing systems, as well as improved performance properties such as strong rubber-to-metal bonds, high tensile and tear strengths, good resilience, high hardness and good heat aging, according to the manufacturer. The Saret coagents can be used for a variety of elastomers, including HNBR, EPDM, NBR and silicone rubber. These coagents are specially suited for cables, belts, hoses, rubber rolls and injection molding applications, according to the company. The company offers over 150 different monomer products, an extensive line of epoxy, urethane and specialty acrylated oligomers, photoinitiators an other specialty chemicals. (Sartomer, Oaklands Corporate Center, 502 Thomas Jones Way, Exton, PA 19341)

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Mold release agents

KantStik 91WX, a release agent for rubber molding, is said to use the latest dry-film technology for lubrication of molds. This product has been formulated with a polymeric-base material which can withstand high-temperature molding conditions well over 450 [degrees] F. KantStik 91WX is water-based, non-flammable and safe to use, providing a better working environment, according to the manufacturer. KantStik 91WX was specifically designed for the molding of rubber items, including natural rubber, EPDM, Viton and polyacetate. (Specialty Products, P.O. Box 306, Jersey City, NJ 07303-0306)

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Thermoplastic elastomers

The company's thermoplastics are used in a wood-working accessory known as the Push Stick. The tool is a hand-held device which is used to safely guide a piece of material or stock against the blade of a circular saw or other cutting device. The Push Stick features a thermoplastic elastomer material to provide enhanced aesthetic features to the tool, as well as increased performance characteristics. The TPE is overmolded (using a multishot process) onto the bottom of the tool's base unit, which is constructed of polypropylene. The selected material was a Dynaflex G7940-9 high performance compound, supplied in black (the material is also available in natural). This material is said to be designed for excellent process-ability and reduced cycle time, and exhibits a uniform gloss and reduced surface blemishes as compared to similar commercially available TPEs, according to the company. (GLS, 833 Ridgeview Dr., McHenry, IL 60050-7050)

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Fluoroelastomer sealants

The company has added blue and white formulations to its line of high performance fluoroelastomer sealants, adhesives and coatings. In addition to its PLV 2000/PLV 2100 fluid products, which are black in color, the company has developed white (PLV 2038) and blue (PLV 2002) compounds. These fluoroelastomers are two-component products that have been compounded from DuPont Dow Elastomer's Viton, a fluorine-containing synthetic robber. The liquid fluoroelastomer products have been used in a wide range of applications where resistance to a harsh environment is crucial, according to the company. Independent test results are said to have shown that the products withstand temperature extremes of-40 degrees] to +400 [degrees] F, resist attack by many corrosive chemicals and liquids, and more. (Pelseal Technologies, LLC, 401 Lafayette St., Newtown, PA 18940-0309)

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Water-based release agent

RR-1381 WB is said to have proven to be a tough, long lasting, semi-permanent water-based release agent. Field experience indicates a high number of releases between applications of the RR-1381 WB can be expected by the molder, according to the company. Due to the unique nature of the applied film of the RR-1381WB, knit lines, splits and cracks are said to be eliminated, as is the possibility of interference in rubber-to-metal bonded parts applications, according to the company. (Releasomers, P.O. Box 82, Bradfordwoods, PA 15015)

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Plasticizer additives

The company manufactures an extensive line of plasticizers which are sold under the tradename Novaflex. Many of the products in the Novaflex line are specialty items that are used in the robber compounding industry, as well as by flexible PVC formulators. The line includes adipates, azelates, benzoates, maleates, oleates, phthalates, sebacates and tallates. The company is also capable of synthesizing specialty plasticizers to meet specific customer needs. (Novachem, 201 Old Thomasville Rd., High Point, NC 27262)

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Maintenance lubricants

Maintenance lubricants are available for rubber and plastic manufacturing plants. Greases, penetrating fluids, oils and dry film coatings can be used for routine lubrication needs on processing equipment, conveyors, presses, calenders, braiders, cutting equipment, extruders, beatings, platen slides, fittings, threaded connectors and sliding surfaces. The products are thermally stable to over 750 [degrees] F and will provide protection from rust, corrosion and chemical attack, according to the company. Benefits are said to include long service life, high lubricity, and more. (McLube Division of McGee Industries, 9 Crozerville Rd., Aston, PA 19014)

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Silicone molding compounds

Silicone rubber compounds have been developed for molding high-voltage insulators, surge arresters, weather sheds and other components. All three of the high-consistency robber (HCR) products in the 1600 Series are designed to deliver excellent tracking resistance, good mold release and superior wet electrical performance, according to the manufacturer. HV 1650-50 silicone rubber (Type ASTM D 1418 VMQ) is a 50 durometer hydrophobic material designed with low modulus primarily for molding surge arresters. HV 1660-65 and HV 1660-75 silicone robbers are 65- and 75-durometer formulations which are also said to be well suited to molding high-voltage insulators and weather sheds. All three are said to feature good processing characteristics for easy molding with injection, transfer or compression methods. The HV 1600 Series HCRs are said to deliver excellent electrical properties, including a dielectric strength greater than 400 volts/mil (IEC 243), and a dielectric constant up to 3.86 at 100 Hz (IEC 250), according to the manufacturer. (Dow Corning, P.O. Box 0994, Midland, MI 48686-0994)

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Conductive polyethylene

Conductomer HDC-22HF is an electrically conductive HDPE resin developed for rotational molding. HDC-22HF incorporates 22% conductive carbon black into the thermoplastic, HDPE resin, significantly reducing the electrical resistance of the resin and providing an extremely high level of permanent electrical conductivity, according to the manufacturer. The use of HDC-22HF resin is said to allow molding of parts that will conduct electricity and dissipate static charge buildup, alleviating electrostatic discharge. Conductomer electrically conductive polymers are provided in black, free flowing pellets packaged in foil laminated and sealed packages to prevent moisture absorption. (Synthetic Rubber Technologies, 11021 Wright Rd., N.W., P.O. Box 639, Uniontown, OH 44685)

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NR releases

An addition has been made to the company's line of mold releases for natural robber. Designed to replace some of their most popular semi-permanent releases for natural rubber, these improved products have been providing more heats (as high as 20% increase) before touch-up, while not sacrificing lubricity or tool cleanliness, according to the company. (Franklynn Industries, 167 Commerce Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45140)

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Silica dispersion

FlowSil is a patent-pending, synergistic combination of silane coupler and silica dispersion aid. FlowSil is said to significantly improve factory processing as judged by laboratory tests, including mold flow, Mooney viscosity, aged viscosity, mixing power, Mooney scorch, dispersion and extrudate surface quality, according to the company. Cured physical properties are said to be minimally affected. FlowSil is a non-staining, easy-to-use, powdered liquid concentrate, according to the manufacturer. It is now available with a tetrasulfide silane coupler (Flow-Sil-T) and disulfide silane coupler (FlowSil-D). (Flow Polymers, 12819 Coit Rd., Cleveland, OH 44108-1614)

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Recycled material

A composite material is available for use by OEMs that is said to make polymer products stronger, much more impact resistant and longer lasting, while helping to protect the environment. Using ground tire rubber, along with polyethylene or polypropylene, the company creates a granular product called Rumber composite. This material can be used by itself or it can be added in part to other compounds to achieve more strength as an impact modifier. Products that utilize this composite, both whole or in part, are said to be more durable and offer a competitive advantage over products without it, according to the company. The company's manufacturing process involves a patented means of mixing ground tire robber waste with a thermoplastic material. The source materials used, and the respective proportions, depend on the characteristics and specific requirements desired in the end products. (Rumber Materials, 3420 Executive Center Dr., Suite 151, Austin, TX 78731)

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Antistick coatings

A series of water-based, antistick coatings has been developed for applications in belting, hose, tires, slugs, pellets, calendered goods, profiles and extruded products. These coatings are applicable for cured and uncured rubber compounds and parts. The coatings will provide a clear, colorless, dry film coating that will not contaminate the compound and will not interfere with processing equipment, according to the company. Containing no silicone oil, powder, wax or heavy metal components, the water-based antistick products are said to provide superior antistick properties, while improving part appearance, according to the manufacturer. Housekeeping problems and disposal problems are said to be eliminated. These products are said to be user and environmentally friendly, containing no VOCs, CFCs, ODCs or solvents of any kind. (McLube Division of McGee Industries, 9 Crozerville Rd., Aston, PA 19014)

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Organic peroxides

VC-70 MG and DCP-70 MG are 70% active polymer bound organic peroxides designed to meet the future needs of rubber compounders. Complete and rapid incorporation during the mixing process means reduced mixing times and lower manufacturing costs when users specify these proprietary dispersions, according to the company. These polymer bound peroxides are said to provide improved batch-to-batch uniformity, while possibly permitting overall lower peroxide usage. With the unique characteristics that only a polymer bound peroxide predispersion possesses, the micro granule form of these peroxides provides easier handling and more accurate weight control, according to the manufacturer. (Rhein Chemie, 1014 Whitehead Rd. Ext., Trenton, NJ 08638)

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Adhesive

Cyberbond Apollo 2220 cyanoacrylate adhesive is said to be a fast setting, high viscosity black adhesive offering a quicker set speed than most other high viscosity cyanoacrylates, according to the company. Apollo 2220 has a combination of viscosity and set speed that is said to give it versatility of use in many different applications. (Rudolph Bros. & Co., P.O. Box 425, Canal Winchester, 0H43110)

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Fluoroelastomer coatings

An electrically conductive fluoroelastomer coating/ adhesive/sealant is available from the company. Formulated from DuPont Dow Elastomer's Viton, a fluorine-containing synthetic rubber, PLV 2024 is a two-part product which has been designed for specialized industrial applications where electrical conductivity is required and where harsh service conditions tend to degrade conventional coatings, adhesives and sealants. PLV 2024 withstands temperature extremes of -40 [degrees] to +400 [degrees] F, resists attack by many chemicals and corrosive liquids, including gasoline, oil, hydraulic fluids, hydrocarbon solvents and sulfuric acid, and demonstrates surface resistivity of 850 ohms and volume resistivity of 15 ohms Cm, according to the company. PLV 2024 is also said to be resistant to ozone, UV radiation, salt spray and fungal growth. PLV 2024 adheres to a wide range of metals, woods and fabric substances, according to the company. They can be cured at either room or elevated temperatures, and can be applied by brash, roller, dipping or airless spray. (Pelseal Technologies, LLC, 401 Lafayette St., Newtown, PA 18940-0309)

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Semi-permanent releases

A water-based version of the company's RR-5 Hot is now available. RR-5 Hot WB is a completely water-based, general-purpose semi-permanent release. It is said to be finding acceptance throughout the rubber molding industry for use in releasing a broad spectrum of polymers, including fluorinated polymers. It can be used as received or diluted to suit the molder's individual requirements. Also available is RC-7 Hot aerosol. This fluorocarbon release is designed for application to hot mold surfaces. It is said to easily release silicone rubber, as well as other polymers and thermosetting plastics. RC-7 Hot contains no ODCs and has a reduced VOC content. A water-based version, RC-7 Hot WB, is also available. (Releasomers, P.O. Box 82, Bradfordwoods, PA 15015)

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Silicone rubber compound

A silicone high-consistency robber (HCR) has been introduced specifically for electrical insulators, surge arresters, weather sheds and railway insulators. The cured 80-durometer material is said to combine excellent dielectric properties and good processing characteristics for easy molding with injection, transfer or compression methods. HV 1760-80 silicone rubber (Type ASTM D 1418 VMQ) is said to offer faster hydrophobic recovery time than previous materials, and excellent underwater dielectrics, according to the manufacturer. In addition, the material is said to have demonstrated improved molding characteristics and easier processing. The material is part of the company's RapidCure series of materials, based on platinum catalyst technology. Because platinum-catalyzed formulations (also known as addition cure materials) are typically supplied as one-part, fully-compounded materials, these HCRs can be a simpler way for some molders to obtain the advantages of rapid-cure processing, eliminating the need to mix a two-part formulation, according to the company. With the addition of a stuffer box to feed the higher-viscosity material, many liquid injection molding machines can be modified to mn HCRs. No transfer pump or meter/ mix equipment is necessary. (Dow Corning, P.O. Box 0994, Midland, MI 48686-0994)

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Bondable rubbers

Recently developed grades of Alcryn melt-processible robber are said to provide virtually universal bondability to rigid engineering substrates in overmolding and coextrusion applications. The commercial grades of Alcryn MPR are said to be heavily used in hard/soft composite components and inherently form melt or chemical bonds to rigid substrates, such as PVC and polycarbonate/ABS alloys, according to the company. Using Alcryn MPR is said to enable better adhesion between hard and soft materials. (Advanced Polymer Alloys, 3521 Silverside Rd., Quillen Bldg. 2E, Wilmington, DE 19810)

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Water-based releases

A recently developed line of Diamondkote water-based, semi-permanent release agents is based upon a non-transferring chemistry that is said to deliver improved mechanical slip, while not sacrificing longevity. Many products have been tested successfully in the automotive markets, including rubber-to-metal bonding applications, according to the manufacturer. These product innovations are said to be proving to work on virtually all types of rubber, including polychloroprene, nitrile rubber, ethylene acrylic, SBR, fluoroelastomers, natural rubber and EPDM. (Franklynn Industries, 167 Commerce Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45140)

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Rubber bonding agents

Megum bonding agents are available for rubber-to-metal and rubber-to-plastic mold bonding. Water-based and environmentally friendly, Megum is available in liquid form and can be applied with all conventional application methods, according to the company. After drying, the parts are placed in a mold and heated to between 150-200 [degrees] C. Under heat and pressure, the rubber cures and forms a bond with the metal or plastic. In most cases, Megum is used to bond rubber to mild steels and other metals. (Alcan Rubber & Chemical, 3570 Executive Dr., Suite 102, Uniontown, OH 44681)

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Semi-permanent release

An Xtend semi-permanent mold release for optimum performance with no residue left on the molded part is available. The Xtend release is said to be compatible with all types of resin/rubber and is available in a water- or solvent-based formulation. (Axel Plastics Research Laboratories, 5820 Broadway, Woodside, NY 11377)

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Base resistant elastomers

Dyneon base resistant elastomers are formulated to withstand the demanding conditions most often found in new lubricating fluids in the automotive industry. The processing characteristics of Dyneon BREs are said to be ideal for molding shaft seals, o-rings, gaskets and other automotive components that have to withstand basic and amine-containing environments. The base resistance of these products is a characteristic of the elastomer molecular structure. This structure is said to reduce the chance of material hardening and cracking so that component service life can be extended, according to the company. Dyneon BREs are said to provide exceptional resistance to amine packages found in ATF fluids, gear lubricants, engine oils and other lubricating fluids, while simultaneously offering excellent high-temperature resistance and outstanding processability, metal adhesion and mold release similar to that of standard fluoroelastomers, according to the manufacturer. (Dyneon LLC, Oakdale, MN)

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Mandrel lubricants

Water-based mandrel lubricants for flexible, rigid and bent/formed mandrel built hose, antistick coatings for pan cured products and coatings for cure tape are available for in-house testing or customer sampling. Products are said to be operator and environmentally friendly, containing no solvents of any kind. Suitable for use in automotive, hydraulic, industrial, chemical, food and medical applications, the products are designed to provide superior mandrel ejection and removal of finished hoses, according to the manufacturer. Benefits are said to include ease of mandrel ejection, low blow-off pressure, no pinholing, elimination of i.d. contamination and improved coupling retention. The company's products are thermally stable and chemically inert. Antistick coatings are said to provide superior hose appearance, improved processing and easy application, according to the company. Products are available for CPE, ECO, EPDM, FKM, silicone, nitrile, polychloroprene and other hose compounds. (McLube Division of McGee Industries, 9 Crozerville Rd., Aston, PA 19014)

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Automotive coatings

The demand for improved aesthetics in automotive interiors and exteriors is said to have resulted in the development of two series of products under the Autoseal banner, soft-feel and doming coatings. Autoseal soft-feel adhesives and coatings are said to allow customers to create a softer finish on a variety of interior surfaces, including consoles, dashboards and steering wheels. The second series, Autoseal doming coatings, produces a transparent, protective dome to enhance logos and graphics on emblems or decals. Autoseal 3900 coatings offer softer tactile surfaces. These aliphatic urethanes are said to offer low-gloss appearance and flexibility. Autoseal coatings are also said to provide good chemical resistance in high-solids, VOC-compliant formulas. (Lord, 2000 W. Grandview Blvd., P.O. Erie, PA 16514)

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Thermoplastic rubber

U.S. Farathane has specified Geolast thermoplastic rubber for a two-shot injection-molded fuel filler grommet used in the Cadillac Seville. The fuel filler grommet, which fits around the fuel filler tube and is positioned in sheet metal to support the tube, is said to be a lower weight alternative to the flanged metal support it replaces. The application requires the grommet to have excellent fuel resistance in the event of a fuel spill or prolonged exposure to sitting fuel, according to the company. Geolast rubber is said to provide excellent fuel resistance without swelling or losing its sealing properties. U.S. Farathane produces the grommet through a two-shot rotational injection molding process using a soft-sealing, gasoline-resistant 70 Shore A grade of Geolast rubber (Grade 701-70) and a hard polypropylene substrate. Geolast rubber bonds to the polypropylene during the molding process to produce a finished part, eliminating secondary production processes. With a specific gravity of 1,0, which is 20-40% lower than NBR (1.2) or ECO (1.4), more parts can be created per kilogram of Geolast material and parts weigh less. Processing costs also are lowered because any Geolast rubber scrap can be reprocessed while retaining its key physical properties, according to the manufacturer. (Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P., 388 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44311-1059)

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Melt-processible rubber

Alcryn melt-processible rubber (MPR) is said to provide superior durability, chemical resistance and weatherability as a non-slip grip material for quality tools and appliances in a variety of applications. Alcryn MPR is said to stand up to cleaning agents and the body's natural oils, and it withstands corrosion and UV deterioration, according to the manufacturer. When used for rugged soft-touch handles, Alcryn MPR is said to produce a sharper definition for a better fit, a warm texture and a non-slip surface that absorbs vibration and reduces repetitive motion injuries, according to the company. (Advanced Polymer Alloys, 3521 Silverside Rd., Quillen Bldg. 2E, Wilmington, DE 19810)

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