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April issue.
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| Equipment | Materials | Instruments | Hardware/Software | Services |
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| Magnesium Hydroxide |
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Versamag magnesium hydroxide is an inert filler, flame retardant and smoke suppressant for latex foam, elastomeric goods, epoxies, reinforced polyesters, phenolics and urethane foam. Magnesium hydroxide releases its 31 percent water of crystallization when heated to above 325 degrees Celsius as water vapor. The high temperature of water release allows for processing of engineered plastics without moisture entering into the molding operation. The resulting endothermic reaction cools the product below flash point, reducing the risk of fire. The vapor released also helps reduce smoke, an additional advantage of this type of flame retardant. Char formation is also improved over alumina trihydrate.
Akrochem
www.akrochem.com
Post date: 4/25/2013 |
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| Adhesive For Urethane Elastomers |
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Specially designed for bonding urethane elastomers to metal, Chemlok 8600 is said to accommodate a wide range of processing conditions, including extended prebake. This adhesive will also bond a wide variety of both polyether- and polyester-based urethanes of varying hardness to all types of metals. Chemlok 8600 adhesive provides a strong, durable bond that, in many instances, has strength that exceeds the tear strength of a molded urethane elastomer. With low VOC emissions, this adhesive is said to be environmentally resistant and easy to apply. Requiring only a single coat for most applications, Chemlok 8600 reduces labor, inventory and shipping costs, according to the company.
Lord
www.lord.com
Post date: 4/25/2013 |
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| Dual-Functional Coagent |
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SR523 is a liquid coagent that shortens cure times and improves processability of peroxide-cured elastomers compared to conventional coagents like triallyl cyanurate (TAC). SR523 is said to improve the properties of rubber and plastics used for building profiles, injection molded goods, radiator hoses, wire and cable insulation, as well as o-rings, gaskets and sealants. It is an advanced coagent that has a unique structure encompassing both Type I and Type II classifications. This coagent exhibits an improved rate and state of cure in elastomer compounds, according to the company. In addition, SR523 aids in the treatment of such compounds by reducing mixing torque and improving processability. Other elastomeric properties were also shown to increase with SR523, including the tensile modulus. Higher concentrations of this coagent during testing resulted in slightly greater increases to a compound's modulus compared to other coagents, including trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and triallyl cyanurate (TAC). SR523 is said to provide a significant advantage over TAC because it remains a clear liquid at ambient temperature, while TAC solidifies. The SR523 coagent is also said to demonstrate a high scorch resistance.
Sartomer
www.sartomer.com
Post date: 4/25/2013 |
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| Silicone Ink Colors |
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MED-6613-X heat-cure colored inks, available in red, white, green, bright blue and dark blue, are said to expand the company's color palette and provide more vibrant, creative marking options. The firm's inks are said to be characterized by a long work time and non-volatile content of approximately 60 percent. Depending on the ink color, viscosities range from 800 to 3,000 cP and can be decreased through dilution via compatible solvent. The two-part, addition-cure inks can be used for pad printing and silk screening for marking or coloring silicone rubber parts, such as catheters. Because their cure is accelerated with heat, these inks are suitable for applications requiring a rapid cure time. In fact, the recommended cure schedule is just five minutes at 150 degrees C (302 degrees F).
NuSil Technology, LLC
www.nusil.com
Post date: 4/25/2013 |
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| Medical Grade TPEs |
Several grades of clear, SEBS-based thermoplastic elastomers offer medical products designers and manufacturers an even broader selection from which to choose. Depending upon suggested applications which include grips for medical and dental utensils, and knobs and buttons for medical equipment, the expanded CLR series choices are available in low oil formulations, with some formations being completely oil-free. Specifically, the expanded grades now include a broader range of hardnesses from 15 durometer A to 75 durometer A. Two grades, CLR65 and CLR75, are completely oil-free. These TPE formulations are odorless; can be extruded or injection molded; utilize materials that are FDA compliant; give the end product a good (not tacky) feel; have exceptional tear resistance; offer high resilience and high strength properties; can be easily color tinted; result in products with vibrant, highly resilient, shiny surfaces; and offer high flow during processing.
Elastocon TPE Technologies
www.elastocontpe.com
Post date: 4/25/2013 |
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| EPDM Rubber |
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Vistalon EPDM rubber has evolved to meet changing customer needs through an ongoing commitment to technology advancement, according to the manufacturer. Vistalon enhances processing and finished product performance. Vistalon EPDM rubber grades which utilize the benefits of advanced metallocene technology are said to provide improved compression set at low and high temperatures for extruded profiles and hoses, and injection molded seals.
ExxonMobil Chemical
www.exxonmobilchemical.com
Post date: 4/25/2013 |
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| NBR/PVC Polymers |
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Rubaloy 50 and 7360 are NBR/PVC polymers. Rubaloy 50 is a 50/50 blend acrylonitrile (NBR) with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The Rubaloy 7360 is 70% acrylonitrile (NBR) with 30% polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Both provide good fuel, abrasion, flame and ozone resistance. They can be used in a variety of rubber compounding applications such as molded gaskets, oil-fuel seals, o-rings, extrusions, grommets, industrial and hydraulic hoses, high hardness compounds, sponge and automotive applications. They are also used to pass ASTM ozone and fuel requirements.
Akrochem
www.akrochem.com
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| Mold Releases |
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INT-1329 is a liquid internal mold release/process aid additive which is incorporated directly into the resin, eliminating or significantly reducing the need for an external mold release agent. Internal mold release/process aids can also improve the wetting of reinforcements and fillers, and enhance the surface appearance of molded parts. An effective addition of process aid additive will not have any adverse effect on the cured resin or interfere with secondary operations such as printing, painting or bonding. INT-1329 is particularly designed for use with non-accelerated DICY (dicyanamide) cured epoxy systems including nano-dicyanamide.
Axel Plastics Research Laboratory
www.axesplastics.com
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| Polyisoprene Products |
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Cariflex polyisoprene products are said to be the ideal alternative to natural rubber, and Kraton ERS polymers the ideal alternative to PVC products. Cariflex polyisoprene products are said to be the ideal alternative to natural rubber for applications that demand extreme purity, exceptional protection, comfort and consistently high quality. Cariflex products effectively serve medical market applications including surgical gloves, catheters, tube connectors, needle shields, medical stoppers, probe covers and cohesive bandages. They offer a pure and versatile option for manufacturing applications that require the high tensile strength and tear resistance of natural rubber without the impurities that cause discoloration, odor and allergic reactions. Cariflex isoprene rubber (IR) latex is said to be the ultimate natural rubber alternative for medical products that helps protect physicians, nurses and patients from natural rubber proteins (present in natural rubber) and reduces the risk of Type I allergic reactions. Cariflex derives its inherent purity from the manufacturer's simple and highly-efficient polymerization process. The firm is said to be the only company in the world using an anionic solution polymerization process to produce this type of synthetic rubber. The company's ERS product line is said to offer proven alternatives to PVC in medical applications. The firm offers a phthalate-free and plasticizer-free formulation that allows for an environmentally-responsible solution without compromising the quality or integrity of finished products. ERS products bring high levels of purity, enhanced durability and exhibit low extractable performance in compliance with medical industry standards. They also enable high resiliency, low compressions set performance, good puncture resistance and the ability to perform through the industry standard sterilization processes necessary for approval and use.
Kraton Performance Polymers
www.kraton.com
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| Color Masterbatches |
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Color masterbatches from the company consist of a wide selection of custom made and innovative colors, along with the standard colors available in the market. With an active color database of over 5,000 shades and precise color matching, the company is said to be an industry leader in providing expert color technology. In the range of regular color masterbatches that the firm offers, they are specialized in pearl colors, glow in the dark, metallic colors, speckled effect, interference range (two-ton colors), lead and heavy metal-free masterbatches (ROHS), non-fading, light-fast colors, a database of Pantone and RAL shades for both film and molding, food contact approved PET colors for water and pharma bottles, to mention a few.
Alwan Repin LLC
www.repin.in
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| Zinc Oxides |
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Zinc oxides offered by the company carry the following suffixes: FP-H, FPT-H, RGT-H, XF-H and XFT-H. These products are French processed zinc oxides from high purity zinc metal.
Akrochem
www.akrochem.com
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| Halogen-Free Highly Fillable Rubber Raw Material |
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Floor coverings used in long-range airliners must meet a wide range of strict requirements, including for safety reasons. This naturally applies in particular to products that need to be fitted in aircraft galleys. With their new Duroflex and Durofloor floor coverings, engineers from rubber experts Metzeler Technical Rubber Systems GmbH, a subsidiary of Cooper Standard, have developed innovative and durable alternatives to the silicone coverings often used up to now. The new, easily bondable non-slip products are characterized, for example, by outstanding abrasion resistance and fire protection properties and are based, among other materials, on the halogen-free highly fillable rubber raw material Levapren. Airlines apply a strict functional specification which demands passing of exacting flame tests, for example; this is often aligned to the requirements stipulated by FAR 25853 of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which also contains precise specifications with respect to slip resistance. OEMs frequently add their own specifications with regard to dimensional stability, rippling and abrasion. Impact tests, for example, check how much floor coverings suffer when objects fall on them. It is also important that the material's tensile strength is sufficient to prevent it from tearing when being laid. To date, the most important demands were frequently met by flexible coverings or rigid laminates with a top layer of silicone rubber. These often have the disadvantage of a low durometer hardness, however, which can find expression in comparatively rapid wear and can make the floor sensitive to the falling of sharp objects. In many ways Levapren is said to be an ideal material: The rubber does not contain any halogens and therefore does not liberate any corrosive acidic gases in the event of fire; rescue equipment then remains intact for longer and human life and materials are spared. On combustion, Levapren has a low smoke gas density, leaving escape routes free for longer should it come to the worst. To let it never get that far, Levapren can be supplemented with large quantities of flame-retardant inorganic fillers, but still remains easy to process. Since the engineers from Metzeler decided on a relatively polar grade of the material, which is available in many different degrees of polarity, surface contamination with oils and other foodstuffs can usually be removed easily, and even aggressive cleaning agents have little impact on the material. Despite the high filler content, it is able to meet the strict demand for low density that is typical of aviation applications. In addition, the cost-effective rubber raw material scores well with its good bonding properties, which not only enable the safe and durable laying of flexible Metzeler Duroflex floors, but also allow cost-effective production of the more rigid Durofloor laminates, all the while maintaining a high standard of quality, according to the company.
Lanxess
www.lanxess.com
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| Internal Mold Releases |
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INT-1322 is a liquid internal mold release/process aid additive which is incorporated directly into the resin, eliminating or significantly reducing the need for an external mold release agent. Internal mold release/process aids can also improve the wetting of reinforcements and fillers and enhance the surface appearance of molded parts. An effective addition of process aid additive will not have any adverse effect on the cured resin or interfere with secondary operations such as printing, painting or bonding. INT-1322 is particularly designed for use with DICY (dicyandiamide) cured epoxy systems utilizing accelerators, including imidizole, etc.
Axel Plastics Research Laboratories
www.axelplastics.com
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| Colorants For Rubber And Plastics |
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To solve customers' problems in rubber, vinyl, polyethyelene or other thermoplastics, Akrochem Colors are available in powders, dispersions, pastes and concentrates. The company works with customers to select the best color and form for particular requirements. A color laboratory develops colored products. The company is said to offer extensive experience in coloring rubber, vinyl, polyethylene or thermoplastics.
Akrochem
www.akrochem.com
Post date: 2/21/2013 |
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| EPDM rubbers |
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Vistalon 2502, Vistalon 6602 and Vistalon 7602 EPDM rubber grades are low in crystallinity and deliver improved compression set at low and high temperatures for both molded and extruded applications, according to the manufacturer. Well-suited for extruded profiles and hoses, and injection molded seals, they are said to provide the following benefits: highly efficient ENB incorporation which gives excellent cure rates without scorch problems; fast mixing cycles; and the ability to meet challenging compression set specifications. The firm also introduced IT0316, an elastic ethylene propylene copolymer processing additive for use in EPDM rubber formulations. It can improve flow in extrusion dies and increase extrusion speed with minimal effect on properties when used up to 10 phr, according to the company. As a result, it can enhance profile output by 8 to 10 percent. It is said to be well suited for extruded profile applications, such as weatherseals, hoses and tubes, building/construction profiles for tunnels and windows, and general purpose molded goods. It can also be utilized in butyl/EPDM rubber formulations designed for use in inner tubes, increasing tack and green strength.
ExxonMobil Chemical
www.exxonmobilchemical.com
Post date: 1/4/2013 |
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| Thermoplastic Vulcanizates |
Weeks after introducing the firm’s first general purpose grades of Viprene thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), the company is offering Viprene P (high performance) thermoplastic vulcanizates. TPVs are compounded with a polyolefin phase with a crosslinked EPDMK phase which gives products rubber-like performance for demanding applications. The P series is now available from stock for immediate delivery at prices that are highly competitive and backed by a network of highly technical personnel who stand ready to help users pick the precise grade for the most demanding of applications, according to the company. Offered with a high compression set for rugged applications, and available in a wide range of durometer hardnesses – from 45 durometer A to 50 durometer D – new high performance grades of the Viprene TPV are can be ordered in natural or black pellets. Benefits of the Viprene P Series of TPVs are said to include: Processes like a thermoplastic material; high heat stability; low temperature flexibility; resistant to oils; excellent abrasion resistance; lightweight; and recyclable. Suggested applications include, but are not limited to, power steering, brake and fuel hoses, bellows, under-the-hood parts, appliances, and electrical, construction and industrial parts.
Alliance Polymers and Services, LLC
www.apscompounding.com
Post date: 1/4/2013 |
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| Sprayable Silicone Film Adhesive |
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R-2684 is a silicone film adhesive that is sprayable with the addition of solvent. The option for spraying allows R-2684 to be applied to intricate parts just as easily as to flat substrates. R-2684 can be used to adhere silicone materials to metals, polyimides and various other substrates. This two-part material consists of a Part A and a Part B: a low viscosity silicone dispersion and an activator, which acts as a primer. Adding solvent to the Part A dispersion decreases its viscosity, allowing for a spray-on film. R-2684 can be applied via spraying, as well as through dip-casting and knife-coating processes. Whatever the mode of application, simply apply the adhesive to one of the substrates to be bonded, prime the second with the activator, and press the two substrates together. R-2684 is an addition-cure adhesive that can cure at ambient temperature or under heat for a faster cure.
NuSil Technology LLC
www.nusil.com
Post date: 12/31/2012 |
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| High-Purity TPV Medical Elastomers |
Two high-hardness grades have been developed in the company's Medalist MD-200 series of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) elastomers, extending the already broad durometer range of these resilient, high-purity compounds for replacing rubber in medical applications. Previously ranging in durometer A from an ultra-soft 15 to a semi-hard 80, the Medalist MD-200 Series now includes an 87 durometer A compound, MD-240, and a 43 durometer D grade, MD-245. The 43 durometer D is roughly equivalent to a durometer A hardness of 93. The compounds can be extruded, injection molded and blow molded. Suggested applications include peristaltic tubes, collection and drainage tubes, stoppers for vials, caps and plugs, seals and gaskets, device handles, ergonomic soft grips, valves and diaphragms. The rubber-like properties of Medalist MD-240 and MD-245 include low long-term compression set, high fatigue resistance, prolonged flex life, stability at high temperatures, abrasion resistance and long-term sealability. Said to be among the benefits of the TPV technology developed for the MD-200 series are the elimination of the need for pre-drying, since all grades are non-hygroscopic, and a light natural color that permits efficient use of colorants.
Teknor Apex
www.teknorapex.com
Post date: 12/31/2012 |
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| Propylene-Based Elastomer |
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Vistamaxx PBE is said to create new possibilities in foaming applications. Chris R&P developed a unique formula for foaming with Vistamaxx PBE that they applied to meet customer needs. Manufactured with proprietary metallocene technology, Vistamaxx PBE has the unique semi-crystalline structure of propylene and ethylene. This is said to contribute to better properties, such as slip resistance, softness, flexibility, compression set and shrinkage, in end products when compared to EVA and POE. These properties are said to deliver outstanding performance, making it a viable replacement for conventional foaming materials. Chris R&P Compounding Co. Ltd. is using Vistamaxx propylene-based elastomer (PBE) as a new foaming material. Compared to conventional foaming materials, the Vistamaxx PBE-based solution is said to offer balanced performance and cost-efficiency in meeting specific customer needs. Compared to ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyolefinic elastomer (POE) alternatives, Vistamaxx PBE-based foams are lighter and softer. They have better elongation and are less likely to deform permanently. In low temperatures, these foams are more flexible than EVA-based foams, helping to prevent shoe soles fracturing in cold regions. Because they use less additive than EVA, they have very low odor and are easy to process. Also, Vistamaxx PBE-based foams are more weather resistant, compared
to EPDM rubber, and offer better slip resistance than EVA and POE-based solutions. Chris R&P has used these new foaming materials successfully in a range of products including footwear, toys, sporting goods, protective sports equipment and accessories.
ExxonMobil Chemical
www.exxonmobilchemical.com
Post date: 12/31/2012 |
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| Silicone Emulsions |
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SEM Series silicone emulsions are carefully formulated emulsions of dimethyl, alkyl modified dimethyl or a reactive silicone fluid and water. Each emulsion is based on a siicone fluid of different viscosity ranging from 100 to >100,000 centistokes. They are primarily designed for use in applications for rubber and plastic release agents, furniture polish, cosmetic, textile finishing and other specialty formulations. In mold release applications, SEM silicone emulsions are normally diluted with water to 0.5 percent to 2.5 percent active silicone to be sprayed, dipped or brushed on a mold. SEM silicone emulsions contain a corrosion inhibitor and an anti-fungicide.
Akrochem
www.akrochem.com
Post date: 10/4/2012 |
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| Thermoplastic Polyurethanes |
A new line of Elastollan TPUs (thermoplastic polyurethanes) manufactured by BASF and sold throughout North America by this firm is said to offer a host of benefits for sheathing (coating) for flat cables needed for advanced automotive and other vehicular electronic systems. Benefits of the advanced Elastollan 1154D-10 KFFC TPU which enable manufacturers to increase the number of wires using flat instead of round wire cables (to fit in tight spaces like headliners) include lighter than conventional round cables, take up less space; more compact and more flexible in application; increased durability, external stress distributed evenly over a greater surface; kink, abrasion and chemical resistant; resists creasing, enabling cabling to be used as hinged components in tailgates or door mirrors; and more cost effective in the long run, savings realized by reducing the possibility of cable termination and increased efficiency in assembly operations. Rationale for the use of this grade of Elastollan TPU is the need by cable and vehicle manufacturers to increase the number of wires into cabling without adding weight or bulk by using flat instead of round cables. Confined areas such as headliners, side mirrors, seat, instrument panels or trunk lids are ideal applications for the new flat cables.
Alliance Polymers & Services LLC
www.apstpe.com
Post date: 10/3/2012 |
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| Polyolefin Elastomers |
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Affinity GA 1000R is an MAH-grafted polymer offering excellent bond strength for hard-to-bond (HTB) substrates, such as coated papers and boards or recycled paper, as well as improved heat stress. This helps ensure the package’s contents stay sealed through the stages of logistics, particularly warehouse storage and transportation, where temperatures can vary. Affinity GA 1875 offers a lower viscosity choice for enhanced formulation flexibility as well as excellent bond strength in low-application temperature hot-melt adhesives (LATHMA) when used alone or in combination with other Affinity GA polymers. The entire range of Affinity GA polyolefin elastomers offers excellent bonding at a variety of temperatures and excellent adhesive mileage per pound, according to the company. They were said to be the first polymers of their kind and were specifically developed for hot melt adhesive formulations and a range of polymer modification applications. Affinity GA POEs are characterized by distinct chemistry that combines high flow, low crystallinity and low molecular weight. They are said to offer a variety of performance advantages for hot melt adhesives such as powerful bonds, excellent sealing mileage, broad temperature range performance, exceptional color stability and virtually char- and odor-free processing.
Dow Elastomers
www.dowelastomers.com
Post date: 10/3/2012 |
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