Suppliers Showcase: Materials.

Urethane tooling systems

Two high performance urethane tooling systems are available from the company. These systems are two-component, liquid TDI/MBOCA based, mercury catalyzed casting systems that cure to a nominal hardness of Shore A 79 and Shore A 89, respectively. Conathane TU-79 and Conathane TU-89 are said to produce elastomers of exceptional toughness, high elongation, excellent tensile and tear strength and have excellent abrasion resistance, according to the company. TU-79 and TU-89 have an initial mixed viscosity of 4,000 cps at 25 [degrees] C (77 [degrees] F), making them pourable into almost any configuration, an effective pot life of 25-35 minutes at 25 [degrees] C, and will cure at room or elevated temperature, according to the manufacturer. Some typical applications for these products are cast in place linings for metal polishing and finishing equipment, flexible molds, gaskets and vibration, shock and dampening pads. (Conap)

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Polyurethanes/elastomers

The company has introduced a high temperature resistant rigid polyurethane and four soft elastomer formulations to its family of fast-setting Parts-In-Minutes polyurethanes. RP 6461 R/H heat-resistant polyurethane has a heat deflection temperature of 309 [degrees] F, making it a suitable material for the fast production of under-hood automotive parts, heat and air conditioning ducts, and equipment enclosures that will operate in high-temperature environments, according to the company. The soft elastomer Parts-In-Minutes polyurethanes include RP 6481 R/H with a Shore hardness of 60 to 65A, RP 6482 R/H with a Shore hardness of 70 to 75A, RP 6483 R/H with a Shore hardness of 80 to 85A and RP 6484 R/H with a Shore hardness of 90 to 95A. The elastomers are said to gel quickly and can be demolded in less than one hour. Once cured, they are said to exhibit good elongation characteristics ranging from 310% for the softest product to 220% for the hardest material. Tear strength is also said to be excellent, ranging from 142 ppi for the softest polyurethane to 480 ppi for the hardest elastomer. (Ciba Specialty Chemicals)

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Rubber process oils

A range of unlabelled process oils for oil extension of synthetic rubber and for rubber compounding has been introduced. Tyrex 20 is a treated distillate aromatic extract which is said to demonstrate performance benefits in rubber compounding over other types of unlabelled process oils. In particular, the high aromaticity of Tyrex 20 enables the wet grip performance to be maintained using well established tire compounds, according to the company. Prorex 15 is a mild extraction solvate, a lower aromaticity alternative developed to meet certain customer specifications. The company's range of non-toxic process oils are said to require no carcinogenic, toxicity or environmental labeling requirements, according to the company. (Mobil Europe Lubricants Ltd.)

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Internal lubricants

Benefits of using an internal lubricant are said to be available in an easy to use 100% active pellet form, known as MoldWiz internal lubricant pellets. MoldWiz pellets are available in several resin specific proprietary formulations and contain no binders or fillers to contaminate the resin. They are also said to be highly effective at additive rates as low as 0.25% based on resin weight. Unlike powders, MoldWiz pellets can be conveniently dry tumbled, gravitationally mixed, or if desired can be fed directly at the throat or with other additives. MoldWiz pellets are said to be an excellent choice for masterbatches, improving the dispersion of color, fillers and other additives, according to the company. (Axel Plastics Research Laboratories)

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Low-dusting pigments

Low-dusting, enhanced-flow versions of the company's MagnaPearl 1000 and 2000 white pearlescent pigments have been introduced into the Mearlin pigment line, which is said to impart luster and depth. The new grades are said to improve operational efficiency by limiting bridging as the pigment flows from the hopper. (Engelhard)

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O-ring materials

Parofluor and Hifluor o-ring materials are said to provide resistance to high temperatures and harsh chemicals, and can be utilized in semiconductor, chemical processing, oil-field and other severe applications, according to the company. Developed to perform in extreme environments, the materials withstand temperatures ranging from -15 [degrees] to 300 [degrees] C and have the chemical resistance of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), according to the company. In addition, Parofluor and Hifluor have the required properties of resilience and rebound, which makes them suitable for use as classic elastomer seals. (Parker Hannifin Seal Group)

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Water-based release agent

In addition to the company's recent RR-5 Hot WB general-purpose water-based semi-permanent release, RR-1381 WB has been introduced, which is said to be a tougher, long lasting water-based release. Initial fieldwork is said to indicate excellent results for elastomer molding applications, with the exception of silicone rubber. Also available is RC-7 Hot WB, a fluorocarbon water-based aerosol release for silicone rubber molding. (Releasomers)

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Processing additive

Dynamar PPA FX 5911X is a processing aid that is said to reduce the need for equipment maintenance and allow the manufacture of items or products with enhanced properties in thermoplastic processing. When used at very low levels, the free-flowing Dynamar FX 5911X is said to improve thermoplastic processing without altering or detracting from the innate physical properties of the original materials, according to the company. (Dyneon)

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Epoxy adhesive

A high temperature resistant, room temperature curing epoxy adhesive is offered by the company. This two component system, EP30HT, has a noncritical 100:40 mix ratio weight. It provides a service operating temperature range of -100 [degrees] F to +400 [degrees] F. EP30HT is said to produce durable, high strength bonds to both similar and dissimilar substrates. Adhesion to vulcanized rubber and many plastics is said to be excellent. Bonds are also said to be resistant to thermal cycling and many chemicals, including water, oil, fuels and most organic solvents, even upon prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures. (Master Bond)

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