HARD-SOFT COMBINATIONS WITH EXCELLENT ADHESION

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HARD-SOFT COMBINATIONS WITH EXCELLENT ADHESION
18 February 2004 - DSM Engineering Plastics

Designed to adhere to such hard materials as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/Polycarbonate (ABS/PC), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), DSM Engineering Plastics’ Arnitel TPE copolyester elastomer gives manufacturers the freedom to benefit from 2K moulding (multi-component injection moulding processes).

Arnitel TPE has been designed to perform well in automotive airbagcover, instrument panel, and other demanding applications.

2K moulding provides a flash-free, co-moulded part that eliminates the time and expense involved in additional product handling, tooling, assembly and inventory costs while ensuring high-quality components. A key factor in 2K moulding is the adhesion between the different materials used, and Arnitel TPE is designed to maximise this adhesiveness by fostering interfacial reactions, surface polarity, local interactions, and chain diffusion.

In addition, the processing temperatures and parameters are compatible with common co-moulded materials, enhancing productivity and adhesiveness of Arnitel TPE.

Arnitel TPE excels in airbagcover applications owing to its ductility at -4C and strength at 90C. Low-temperature ductility is required to help prevent injury due to splintering during airbag deployment, while high-temperature strength is required to keep the airbag module in place.

In addition to airbag applications, Arnitel TPE is well-suited for automotive interior components that depend on high aesthetic quality because the material takes an excellent moulded surface finish, as well as offering long-term paint adhesion.

To help customers optimise applications with Arnitel TPE, DSM Engineering Plastics offers global product development, application development, design consulting, as well as access to computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools.

Beyond airbags, Arnitel TPE is extensively used in the automotive industry for applications designed for human touch, such as armrest and steering wheel covers; and those requiring exceptional fatigue resistance and resistance to oil and greases, including rack and pinion bellows, constant velocity joint (CVJ) boots, air-ducts and air brake tubing. In the electronic and consumer goods industry, Arnitel TPE is widely used for mobile phone antennas, cable insulation, flexible tubing, film, dispensers, cable ties, pads, handles, and soft-grip applications. The range of Arnitel TPE is exemplified by its use both in tiny, low-noise gears, and in large, energy- and sound-absorbing railway pads.

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About: DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group forming part of DSM's Performance Materials cluster. DSM EP is a global supplier of Stanyl PA46 and Akulon 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel TPE-E, Arnite PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar polycarbonate, Yparex extrudable adhesive resins, and Stamylan UH Ultra High Molecular Weight PE. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. The business group had annual sales of EUR 566 million in 2003. With Stanyl, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.

Stanyl is a family of heat-resistant polyamides from DSM Engineering Plastics. Stanyl’s high crystallinity (70% versus 50% for conventional PA66) results in high heat distortion temperatures of 190C for unreinforced grades, up to 290C for reinforced. Stanyl grades are used in automotive clutch plates, charge air coolers, chain tensioners; electrical components including motor frames and end laminates, circuit breakers, controls and connectors; and home and power tool components, including heat shields and heat-resistant utensils.

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