Waldkraiburg, June 3rd, 2008. KRAIBURG TPE has announced the introduction of a new generation of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in the autumn of 2008. With their first trial samples for the so-called high-performance TPEs, these experts in the development of custom TPE solutions have already achieved properties attained in the past only by high-performance rubber compounds. They can withstand temperatures of up to 170°C and are resistant to media such as motor oil, fuels, greases and coolants. The new high-performance TPE was developed in collaboration with LANXESS. That firm, committed to the production of special chemicals, not only delivers the input materials but also proposes formulae for compounds and conducts critical measurements. The first prototypes are already in the testing phase; automotive customers and those in other industries are assessing the new options. “With this new class of materials we are even now opening up the world of rubber for all the companies that process thermoplasts. Working together with manufacturers of final products we are optimizing our high-performance compounds for use in specific applications,” explains CEO Franz Hinterecker. In the opinion of Dr. Jörg Mertinkat, deputy R&D director at KRAIBURG TPE, these new compounds are moving TPEs into the class previously reserved exclusively to high-performance rubber compounds.

High-performance TPE helps slash production costs
Using temperature and media resistances as the measure, manufacturers can even now use TPE as a replacement for elastomers such as ACM (acrylic elastomer) or AEM (ethylene-acrylic elastomer). In this way they can capitalize on significant cost advantages in production, since time-consuming vulcanization is not required. Over and above that, TPE offers excellent bonding properties on any of a variety of thermoplasts. The first trial samples, made up in single  and dual-component injection molding processes, have already passed muster. They are available in hardnesses of 70 and 80 Shore A. In co-molding operations the specimen compounds achieve excellent adhesion to hard components made of polyacetal. Bonding with polyamide is deemed good to excellent in quality. Softer compounds are now in the pipeline. Specimens for use in extrusion and blow-molding processes are now in preparation. The potential fields of use for these high-performance TPEs are thus many and varied. They range from a variety of sealing applications in automotive engines, hoses and tubing, and extend to include wires and cables. 

Please address technical questions to:

Dr. Jörg Mertinkat (Deputy Director, R&D)
Phone: +49 / 8638 / 9810-592, e-mail: Joerg.Mertinkat@Kraiburg-tpe.com


About KRAIBURG TPE
KRAIBURG TPE manufactures thermoplastic elastomers based on HSBC (hydrogenated styrene block copolymers) and markets them all around the world. In addition to custom solutions, the company offers under the THERMOLAST® brand name a broad spectrum of standardized compounds to cover a wide range of applications. The company produces at sites in Germany, the US and Malaysia. KRAIBURG TPE also maintains sales offices in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, China and India.

About LANXESS
LANXESS is a leader in the field of special-purpose chemicals and achieved sales of 6.61 billion euros in 2007, employing a staff of 14,600 in 21 countries. The company is present around the world with its 47 production sites. Core business at LANXESS embraces the development, manufacture and sale of special-purpose chemicals, plastic, rubber compounds and intermediate products.

Please direct your questions to:

KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co. KG
Lars Goldmann
Friedrich-Schmidt-Strasse 2
84478 Waldkraiburg, Germany
Tel.: +49 / 8638 / 9810-278
Fax: +49 / 8638 / 9810-11278
e-mail: lars.goldmann@kraiburg-tpe.com