Injection Moulding Asia

Wetting eliminates handling problems of TPEs

A result of a year's R&D, Teknor Apex's Monprene Wet Grip Series styrenic block copolymer compounds minimise or eliminate a problem encountered with many standard TPEs in soft-touch applications like grips, handles, knobs and cushions. These products often become slippery and hard to handle when wet from rain, humidity, sweat, dishwater or other commonly encountered substances. Unlike the standard TPEs, the new Monprene products retain their rubber-like traction when wet, while providing the same elasticity and other key mechanical properties. They are available in hardnesses from 10 to 45 Shore A and can be applied onto a variety of substrates by means of two-shot, co-injection or insert moulding.

Meanwhile, Kraiburg's Thermoplast W is said to provide up to three times the coefficient of friction of conventional TPEs in wet and dry applications. The company claims the benefits have no negative impact on physical and rheological performance. The new technology is based on styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers that are permanently incorporated throughout the polymer matrix. The SBS doesn't migrate or interfere with processability in multi-component injection molding and extrusion processes. Kraiburg can adapt the technology to its range of Thermolast styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene elastomer compounds.

Soft-touch components that are potential applications for the new compounds include those in shaving razors, toothbrushes, writing instruments, paint brushes, hair brushes, hair dryers, hand tools, kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, vacuum cleaners, mops, rakes, shovels, scissors, and sporting equipment.