The Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) in Industry and the Skilled Crafts at RWTH Aachen University is cooperating with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) to research the use of plasma polymer mould coatings for the release agent-free production of polyurethane parts.

At Fakuma 2018, Huntsman and its distribution partner Chemie Plast are showcasing a number of recently developed thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, originally created for consumer and wire & cable applications, but suitable for use across a variety of industrial injection moulding and extrusion tasks.

Gelest, Inc. has introduced ExSil 50, a softer grade of an ultra-high elongation material that has been formulated to meet the requirements of soft-tissue implants or extracorporeal device applications.

According to the Luxembourg-based company OCSiAl, testing of the ecotoxicity potential of Tuball single wall carbon nanotubes, carried out according to the relevant OECD guideline, has shown no toxic effects on algae, in contrast to a set of recent results on similar tests with multi wall carbon nanotubes. Among plausible reasons for this is the unique physical nature, particularly the high flexibility, of single wall carbon nanotubes compared with most other types of carbon nanomaterials, said the company.

At Fakuma 2018, Kraiburg TPE introduced a new manufacturing technology for thermoplastic elastomer hybrids (TEH), featuring an application-specific combination and a modifiability that are superior to the options provided by classic thermoplastic vulcanisates.

At Fakuma 2018, Covestro is showcasing Desmopan 37385A, the first representative of a new series of thermoplastic polyurethanes containing cardyon polyether carbonate polyols that are based on CO2 technology. Compared to conventional TPU materials, the new products leave a lower carbon footprint and help close the carbon cycle, said the company.

Hexpol TPE will be showcasing its portfolio of thermoplastic elastomers optimised for automotive interior applications at Fakuma 2018. Highlights are new technologies to address emerging automotive trends, particularly with regards to sustainability and vehicle interior air-quality.

BASF will showcase its latest developments and a variety of products from its extensive portfolio at Fakuma 2018. Amongst others, the company will present the following highlights:

Trinseo has introduced four new series of thermoplastic elastomers at Detroit’s SPE Automotive TPO Conference (October 7-10, 2018). The four new TPE series include 16 new overmolding grades specifically developed for automotive applications, offering improved adhesion to Trinseo’s Magnum ABS and Pulse PC/ABS product range.

The Hamburg-based German company Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG is celebrating 35 years of Luvocom compounds at Fakuma 2018.