Thermoplastic vulcanizates combine the advantages of thermoplastic processing with rubber-like properties, but they do not perform well in high-performance applications, especially where chemical and temperature resistance are required. So in order to fill this gap, Kraiburg TPE developed a thermoplastic elastomer mixture. And, last week, the company demonstrated the technology at Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, Germany, and its senior development director Frieder Vielsack explained the origin of the technology and how the substance benefits customers.
Frieder Vielsack, Senior Research and Development Leader of Kraiburg TPE, oversees the development of the thermoplastic elastomer mixing platform
Vielsack said that Kraiburg TPE has been looking for a way to eliminate the shortcomings of traditional EPDM / polypropylene blends (EPDM / PP) for 15 years. Through exploration, we learned about ten years ago about the development of Hipex (Hipex is a mixture that can withstand temperatures up to 150 ° C and is resistant to oil and grease) and was inspired by it. Vielsack then explained: "Hipex has been very successful in some niche cars and buildings, but it is not the (integrated) solution we want." However, the inspiration for our research and development milestones ultimately came from a family Sister company Gummiwerk, a supplier of technical rubber compounds.
Vielsack emphasized: "My colleagues at Gummiwerk use production technology as a connection point, using chemicals, curing systems, and plasticizers. So our approach shifted to developing a suitable production technology that can handle elasticity All base polymers on the surface of thermoplastics and thermoplastics. That is, a platform of thermoplastic elastomer hybrid (TEH) materials was developed. It is worth noting that this technology itself is built around the platform rather than the material itself, that is, the elastomer and thermoplastic The raw materials are placed in a thermoplastic mold. "
As described by Jiaobao in a press release, TEH manufacturing technology combines different mixtures of elastomers and thermoplastics with their respective cross-linking systems to form materials that achieve unprecedented performance related to media and temperature resistance. Another advantage lies in the ability to customize the material's property profile for a variety of customer applications.
TEH materials have a hardness of 55 to 80 Shore and can withstand a permanent operating temperature of up to 150 ° C (302 ° F), while remaining chemically stable when exposed to materials such as oils, lubricants, fuels and coolants . Among them, this material is mainly used in automotive parts, lubrication and cooling systems in machinery and buildings, as well as seals and gaskets. Vielsack added that electric cars offer a lot of opportunities for these materials, and because it is a new technology, manufacturers are not caught in the idea of "doing this century-long practice in this way", but rather Happy to explore all possibilities. Jiaobao also said: "The powertrain and battery thermal management systems in electric vehicles provide a more direct application for this material."
Vielsack points out that while hybrid materials are an attractive alternative to rubber in some applications, they are not comprehensive alternatives. Because rubber has the advantages of rapid compression deformation and high mechanical properties, it is still effective in some applications. Therefore, TPE cannot compete with rubber in areas where these characteristics are critical. For example, it doesn't make sense to replace compression molded rubber O-rings with TEH alternatives. But if the O-ring is shaped into another part, then it is another matter.
The technology also involves multi-component applications of technical plastics such as polyamides and thermoplastic polyesters, and is compatible with traditional injection and extrusion lines. Vielsack also pointed out that these parts do not require secondary processing (removal of flashlights and gates) and are recyclable, and the standard colors of their production materials are mostly black and natural.
Vielsack added that Kraiburg TPE has established a pilot production line as a proof of concept. "We tested various combinations of elastomers and TPE, proved the concept through our pilot line, and gathered a lot of knowledge about material combinations suitable for specific applications," Vielsack said.
Vielsack said that the initiative is now in the hands of customers, and if there is any sign of reaction from the German Plastics Processing Exhibition, they hope to speed up. Vielsack also said: "We had an in-depth discussion on this technology at the German Plastics Processing Exhibition and we will then hold seminars to develop applications."