Kraton and SO.F.TER develop SBC-based alternative to PVC and TPUs for slush moulded interior soft skins

"Kraton Polymers and SO.F.TER. formed a strategic alliance to leverage the leading innovation and scientific capabilities of both companies. This resulted in the development of a superior and more environmentally-friendly alternative to PVC and thermoplastic polyurethanes," said Michael Oberkirch, Vice President, Advanced Materials at Kraton Polymers.

This development is said to provide a major technology and performance leap for the automotive industry. Manufacturers can achieve significant improvements in low-temperature performance, fogging, and recyclability while still using existing slush molding equipment and standard processing conditions. An additional benefit is lowered manufacturing costs due to reduced service temperatures and decreased processing time.

"Our new product provides a 30 to 40 % reduction in material weight, better ageing properties, and improved soft touch compared to existing materials. These benefits help automotive manufacturers reduce the weight of vehicle components, while still enhancing aesthetics and performance," added Oberkirch. "This is another example of innovation and collaborative customer relationships leading to a specialised product solution designed to meet ever-increasing market needs," he concluded.

Slush moulding is a specialised process traditionally designed for PVC based compounds to produce interior surfaces of automobiles such as instrument panel skins, door panels, airbags and consoles.

Both companies will inform about their new development at K 2010:

Kraton: hall 6, stand C80

SO.F.TER: hall 6, A58