Suppliers Showcase MATERIALS.

Silicone elastomer release

Water-based, semi-permanent release agents are based upon chemistry that is said to uniquely deliver excellent release for difficult to work with silicone elastomers that are very soft (low durometer) and sticky. The environmentally-friendly, water-based product, already used in production, is said to have been providing excellent release of typically difficult to release silicone robber gaskets, seals, o-rings, spark plug boots, electrical connectors and medical devices. Said to be excellent for use in injection, compression and transfer presses, these release agents create a low surface tension barrier that provides exceptional slip, mechanical and chemical release, according to the company. Multiple releases and release ease without the burden of excessive build-up are said to be some of the key benefits of these agents. Cosmetics of finished products are said to have shown improvement with the use of these release agents due to controlled or non-transfer characteristics. Problems like knit lines are said to have virtually been eliminated, and some formulations even allow for transparent finish products. The company custom formulates hundreds of process specific release agents for silicone elastomers and virtually all types of other elastomers, and has received re-certification for the second three-year period to ISO 9001:1994 and QS-9000:1998 quality management system standards. (Franklynn Industries)

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Solution SBR grades

The company's Buna SL polymers are said to be typical of the first generation solution SBRS polymers. They are linear with a narrow molecular weight distribution and high purity with no soap emulsifier residue. The grades produced include Buns SL 18-0, 23.5-0 and 23.5-1. These are primarily used in tire treads, but can be used in place of SBR(E) in all applications. Buns VP KA 8791 is a Buns SL 18-based BMB with 52 phr N-234 carbon black and 10 phr highly aromatic oil. This masterbatch is suitable for use in retreading applications. Buna BL 8497 SBR diblock polymers are used as modifiers in mass ABS and to improve stress crack resistance and surface gloss. This product also contains an FDA compliant stabilizer system. All of these products are available for sampling from the company. (Bayer)

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Mold release agent

KantStik 91WX release agent 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 company. KantStik 91WX was specifically designed for the molding of rubber items (NR, EPDM, Viton and polyacetate). (Specialty Products)

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Melt-processible rubber

The company has expanded its Alcryn melt-processible rubber product line with the 2100 Series to provide broader bondability and improved adhesion to more substrates. The 2100 Series is launched with two grades (black and natural) of 60 Shore A durometer hardness. The 2160 grades are said to provide superior adhesion to polycarbonate, ABS, polycarbonate/ABS blend and rigid PVC. They can also be co-extruded with ABS and are said to be great for overmolding applications in the tool and appliance, automotive and architectural industries. (Advanced Polymer Alloys)

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Thermoplastic elastomers

The M300 family of Santoprene thermoplastic elastomers is available for use in soft-touch automotive interior applications. The M300 grades feature 50% reduction in fogging versus competitive commercial thermoplastic elastomers. This technology, when testing under the DIN 75201B standard (100 [degrees] C, 16 hours), is said to yield fogging results as low as 0.7 milligrams. The injection molding materials are specifically formulated for the critical processing and performance requirements of automotive interior components, offering premium flow and appearance qualities, while also minimizing odor attributes, according to the manufacturer. Additional product features are said to include dry, non-greasy feel, non-glossy, light weight and good UV stability. Target applications include cup holders, mats, coin trays, grips and other soft-touch interior components. The M300 Santoprene technology was specially developed to enhance part appearance over the entire recommended processing range of conditions. Flow lines and gate blemishes can be reduced or eliminated, while maintaining a more uniform finished part appearance in complex tool designs, according to the manufacturer. The M300 materials are initially available in black injection molding grades with hardnesses of 65 or 80 Shore A. Colorable versions of M300 are also planned to compliment the company's full line of UV-stable, colorable grades of Santoprene TPE for interior applications. (Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P.)

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Water-based coatings

Water-based antistick coatings are said to be thermally stable, chemically inert, environmentally and operator friendly. The products were developed for uncured and cured robber compounds and parts. They were developed for processing applications in the manufacturing of tires, belting, hose and molded parts. They can be used as antistick coatings for slugs, pellets, calender goods, profiles and extruded parts. The products are said to provide a clear, colorless, dry film coating that will not contaminate the rubber compound or interfere with processing equipment. They contain no silicone oil, powder, waxes or heavy metals. (McLube Division, McGee Industries)

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