Originally Published EMDM January/February 2002
MATERIALS
TPE combines performance, reprocessability, and thermal and chemical resistanceBased on proprietary technology, a new thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) combines the high-temperature performance of silicone rubber with the melt reprocessing characteristics and thermal and chemical resistance of engineering thermoplastics. At K 2001, Dow Corning Corp. (Freeland, MI, USA) announced that it is in the early stages of commercializing the thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate (TPSiV) material. "We have begun sampling limited quantities to customers who contributed in the development of TPSiV," says Kevin Murphy, Dow Corning's global portfolio leader for thermoplastics.
In addition to the attributes mentioned above, the material's benefits include its compatibility with injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding processes and its ability to bond with a variety of substrates. Its silky feel is achieved without the use of plasticizers, and the material is available in durometers ranging from 50 Shore A to 60 Shore D.
"Initially, we will be going into automotive applications," notes Murphy, "but we are seriously looking at the medical market as well." The material's properties along with its cost make it "a natural for this sector," he adds.
Norbert Sparrow
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
