Hexpol presents TPE solutions for the E & E, medical and construction industries at Fakuma 2014

Müller Kunststoffe will present advances in the Lifoflex Flam range of flame retardant compounds. They are free from halogens and antimony oxide and therefore do not produce corrosive and toxic gases such as hydrochloric acid or aromatic bromine in case of fire. They conform to UL94 V0 and European directives 2011/65/EU (RoHS) and 2003/11/EC at various wall thicknesses, including very soft grades that fulfil UL 94 V0 at 3.0 and 1.5 mm. For 2K applications, there are grades available developed for adhesion to technical polymers such as ABS, PC, PBT, and PA. The Lifoflex Flam 700 series has been especially designed for applications inside of railway vehicles (profiles, cable grommets, connectors, electrical insulation). The compounds have been tested to DIN 5510-2:2009-05, a preventive fire protection test in railway vehicles, and received the following classifications:

• Flammability S3
• Drip Formation ST2
• Smoke Formation SR2

The DIN EN ISO 5659-2 fume toxicity test yielded an FED classification of 0.14 (max. permissible: ≤ 1) for the tested material (tzul = 30min).

Elasto Sweden operates the groups TPE centre of excellence for medical TPE compounds. At Fakuma their medical team will be highlighting advances in their Mediprene range of TPE compounds for medical device applications. Mediprene TPE compounds are sterilizable with gamma, EtO and steam and representative grades have passed cytotoxicity tests according to ISO 10993-5 and biocompatibility tests according to USP Class VI. Mediprene TPEs have also proven to be strong alternatives as replacement for PVC; they are completely synthetic and latex free thereby minimizing allergy risks. Mediprene TPEs are seeing growing demand in catheter, tubing and syringe plunger seal applications.

Elasto UK, the UK operation, has developed specialist knowledge for the building and construction industry. Among the solutions they will present at Fakuma are Dryflex TPE compounds optimised for extrusion profiles for glazing. They offer fast and efficient processing, giving high output rates. They are suitable for static and dynamic applications with grades that meet the requirements for RAL GZ 716/1 class IV and V standards.

Dryflex WS hydrophilic TPEs are said to be a growing area for Elasto UK. These compounds swell at a controlled rate and percentage when immersed in water, with swell rates from 300 to 1,000%. When there is no longer water present the compound shrinks back to its original size, a process that can be repeated an almost unlimited number of times. The compounds are being used in water stop applications in a number of large scale construction projects.

Sven-M. Druwen, European sales coordinator for Hexpol TPE commented “Fakuma is an important event for the polymer industry. It functions not purely as a trade show but also a key meeting place for in-depth technical discussions and project development. Visitors to the show come to us with specific technical questions or a problem they need to resolve. Our technical experts from industry specific teams in the consumer, medical, automotive and construction markets will be on-hand for consultations and support in the development of unique, custom formulated TPE compounds.”