MATERIALS.

Performance elastomers

Kraton polymers, used in roll roofing, modified mopping asphalt, modified shingles and a variety of roofing adhesives and compounds, are high performance elastomers which, when added to asphalt, can help improve a roofs performance, according to the company. Kraton IPD grades are said to help manufacturers produce roofing membranes with extended high and low temperature performance properties, better slump resistance, improved aging characteristics, resistance to thermal degradation and superior elastic properties. Kraton IPD grades are based on styrenebutadiene-styrene polymers. While these polymers give the low temperature elasticity and durability needed for colder climates, the IPD grades give a higher softening point for use in hot climates, according to the manufacturer. (Shell Chemicals)

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Thermoplastic rubber

Ford is said to have utilized the compatibility of Santoprene thermoplastic rubber with other engineered polymer materials, such as polypropylene and polyamide, to design a number of components for the Ford Focus. The components, comprising integrated hard and soft elements, necessitated the use of new multi-material processing technologies, namely injection molding of two or more compatible materials in any one molding cycle. This is said to have enabled rubber-like sealing lips or flexible sections to be combined directly with rigid plastic features in one component, thus reducing costs by eliminating the need for fixing dips, adhesives or manual assembly operations, according to the company. Additionally, part weight, inventory levels and logistical complications can be reduced while contributing to the achievement of corporate recycling objectives, by the matching of material families. Examples of this multi-material component concept can be found in all areas of the Ford Focus. Under-the-hood applications include clean air ducts, radiator air guides and hood bump stop/adjuster. Interior applications include the steering column shroud, door inner waist seal, seat adjuster wheel and more. (Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P.)

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Polycarbonate/ABS blend

Volvo Trucks has developed a modular front bumper system said to have excellent low-temperature impact properties. The system, which is standard on Volvo's 1999 VNM 420 model and optional on the VNL 610 and 660 models, uses Bayblend polycarbonate/ABS blend. The system consists of a steel bumper, a two-component air dam, two bumper end caps and four optional spoiler covers. Other than the steel bumper, Volvo manufactures all of the components from Bayblend T 85, a general purpose polycarbonate/ABS blend. Its properties are said to include toughness, rigidity, dimensional stability and good processability. The Bayblend material is said to have excellent energy absorption properties and holds up significantly upon impact, according to the manufacturer. The company's Bayblend material is said to allow Volvo to achieve the desired low temperature impact properties while utilizing existing tooling. (Bayer)

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Cellular urethanes/silicones

Bisco cellular silicone foams and Poron cellular urethane foams are available from the company. These materials, available in rolls, are said to support inventive design by solving difficult gasketing, cushioning and sealing problems. Test-rated materials are available for use in specific types of equipment, including electronic and electrical equipment, wireless base station enclosures, automotive and transportation equipment, household appliances and office machines, food preparation equipment, and for medical and cleanroom components and processes. All of the company's cellular foam materials are said to retain their resistance to compression set over time, and offer good resistance to ozone, UV light, and other environmental stressors and chemicals without corroding, cracking or damaging nearby components, according to the manufacturer. For EMI/RFI shielding, many fabricators are said to laminate the company's cellular material with a thin foil or other conductive material. Poron urethane materials are low outgassing and are said to demonstrate outstanding resistance to compression set. (Rogers)

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Adhesion promoters

Three adhesion promoters are specifically tailored for epoxy end use. This generation of adhesion promoters is said to be entirely stable and soluble in typical polyamine/ polyamide hardeners. This is said to have allowed for a sharp increase in the company's reactive functionality. All three products may be used in both 2K epoxy and WB epoxy with excellent results, according to the company. These materials are said to offer both significant cost and performance advantages versus other high performance adhesion promoters recommended for epoxy end use, according to the manufacturer. (Chartwell International)

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Internal lubricant

Automotive and truck manufacturers, and other vinyl plastic makers of textured panels can now utilize MoldWiz INT-VP250, according to the company. MoldWiz INTVP250 is said to avoid excess buildup in the textured mold detail area that often occurs with ordinary external release agents. It does not exude like stearate, often the cause of uneven and splotchy surface areas, according to the manufacturer. (Axel Plastics Research Laboratories)

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Mold releases

DiamondKote products are water-based, environmentally compatible, solvent-free mold releases designed for applications to ambient and hot metallic mold surfaces. They may be spray applied to ambient surfaces (with subsequent blow-drying by compressed air) or simply wiped on utilizing a pure cotton cloth. When applied correctly, DiamondKote will provide for multiple releases for many elastomeric compounds with the possible exception of silicone rubbers. Benefits of DiamondKote are said to include the following: environmentally compatible, water-based formulation; non-flammable formulation; multiple releases per application; excellent release-ease; non-transferring formulation; excellent for rubber to metal bond applications; im-proved part cosmetics; lower scrap rates; and quick curing. (Franklynn Industries)

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Solid phosphite antioxidant 

Doverphos S-9228 is a patented, free-flowing, high-performance, solid phosphite antioxidant permitted for use in all polymers, with no limitations for temperature conditions of use, and no limitations for types of food. (Dover Chemical)

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