New Concentrates Solve TPE Foaming Problems.

New foaming-agent concentrates are available for Alcryn Melt Processible Rubber, a TPE from Advanced Polymer Alloys (APA) of Wilmington, Del. The concentrates were developed jointly by APA and Reedy International Corp., Keyport, N.J. Alcryn MPR consists of a polyethylene backbone reacted with acrylic and other comonomers that yield a polar polymer. The acrylic lends uv and oil resistance. The latter is further enhanced by Alcryn's 10-15% chlorine content. Foaming Alcryn reduces hardness and part weight while improving compression recovery.

Reedy's new Safoam RIC 25 and RAZ 50 concentrates are blends of endothermic and exothermic blowing agents. The carrier is a polar resin that is said to allow excellent dispersion in Alcryn. These concentrates reportedly overcome difficulties in controllably foaming Alcryn. APA says Safoam achieves much better control of density and cell size using low levels of blowing agent. Alcryn can now be foamed economically for auto body seals, architectural seals and gaskets, industrial profiles and sheet, soft-touch/non-slip grips, and footwear.