Softer than ever - New thermoplastic olefin (TPO) elastomers

A new TPO series within the portfolio of  K.D. Feddersen extends the design possibilities particularly suited for soft-touch applications.

The VTC TPE Group herewith introduces a new family of TPO compounds which will be marketed under the name of Dryflex® OBC (Dryflex® Olefin Block Copolymer (OBC) based TPOs, powered by INFUSE™ polymers from The Dow Chemical Company (Dow)).

The material features a number of  enhanced physical properties:

• excellent flow characteristics for filling complex or long paths and for tight dimensional tolerances
• superior elastic recovery at higher strain rates
• enhanced product aesthetics with a soft-touch and non-tacky feel that reduces dust accumulation, even with soft formulations
• a broad range of Shore A hardnesses, from gel-soft Zero Shore A up to 90 (conventional TPOs are usually not available below 70 Shore A)
• processing at lower temperatures save energy costs and lower environmental impact

The new Dryflex® OBC compounds can be injection moulded or extruded, are easily coloured and display excellent UV and weathering resistance.

“With Dryflex® OBC compounds we are excited to offer  new opportunities to our customers at attractive cost-performance solution. They are particularly suited to soft-touch grip applications due to their comfortable, warm and silky feel, which is not always achievable with alternative soft materials.” commented Hans-Georg Voß, Productmanager  High Performance Polymers K.D. Feddersen.