Hexpol TPE Adds New Compounds to its Dryflex Green Bio-based TPE
Sweden-based Hexpol TPE has added several new compounds to its Dryflex Green family of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based on raw materials from renewable sources such as plant and vegetable crops.
The hardness range for Dryflex TPE has now been expanded to include 20 Shore A to 50 Shore D, with amounts of renewable bio-content to over 90% (ASTM D 6866-12), depending on the hardness.
Thomas Köppl, Manager Central Technology and Development Center at Hexpol TPE commented, “One of the key challenges we faced with the Dryflex Green TPE compounds was to develop low hardnesses with high levels of renewable content, since most bio-based raw materials in the market are quite hard on their own. We have now added lower hardnesses to the Dryflex Green range while at the same time maintaining mechanical properties.”
For applications wanting a look even closer to nature, Hexpol TPE has additionally developed compounds using organic fillers and natural fibers from plants, crops or trees, including cork.
Cork is a natural product which comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. The removal of the bark does not harm the trees and the bark is only harvested after the first 20 years of growth. The removal stimulates a steady regeneration of the bark. Each cork tree provides on average 16 harvests over its 150-200 year lifespan.
Klas Dannäs, Global R&D Coordinator at Hexpol TPE added, “For customers that want bio-based products that also have a natural look and feel, the use of cork and natural fibers helps to give an additional ‘organic’ appearance. With these new developments to the Dryflex Green TPE range, using different renewable content and covering a greater hardness range, we have created more design and sustainability possibilities.”
Dryflex Green TPE compounds can be processed using standard thermoplastic processing methods, including injection molding and extrusion. Typical applications include; soft-touch grips and handles, tools and hardware, sports equipment and packaging.
Source : China Plastic & Rubber Journal
