NEW HARD-SOFT COMBINATION OF DELRIN AND PONAFLEX GIVES SLIDING SWITCH A NON-SLIP SURFACE

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NEW HARD-SOFT COMBINATION OF DELRIN AND PONAFLEX GIVES SLIDING SWITCH A NON-SLIP SURFACE
31 October 2002 - DuPont Engineering Polymers

Sliding switches for the Rowenta 'Butler Slim' gas lighters, by German manufacturer Veeser Plastic, are produced in a hard-soft combination of DuPont Delrin acetal resin and PONAFLEX thermoplastic elastomer from Pongs & Zahn Plastics AG, Hamburg. Veeser cites the main reason for selecting this material as the very good adhesion of the TPE to the acetal, which ensures a reliable, strong and durable bond between the two components. Other important reasons were the excellent surface slip, high dimensional stability and good coloration properties of Delrin coupled with the pleasant touch and non-slip surface provided by PONAFLEX.

The switch frame is produced in Delrin acetal resin: its smooth surface and low friction coefficient allows the switch to slide gently and easily in the metal housing. But it is precisely these properties that can lead to problems in bonding a soft component to the acetal. Now DuPont has teamed up with Pongs & Zahn to develop a solution. Modified grades of Delrin and PONAFLEX, specially matched to each other, ensure the formation of a very interactive bond between the two components. In this way, the strength, hardness and surface quality of Delrin can be combined with the high elasticity and good grip of PONAFLEX.

This new material combination of Delrin and PONAFLEX opens up many other possible applications, e.g. fastenings, housing parts and profile strips with integrated seals or conveyor chains and gearwheels with vibration- and sound-damping elements. Both materials are approved for food contact applications. DuPont and Pongs & Zahn are also developing other grades with even better adhesion.

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About: DuPont Engineering Polymers
The DuPont Engineering Polymers business manufactures and sells DuPont Crastin PBT and DuPont Rynite PET thermoplastic polyester resins, DuPont Delrin acetal resins, DuPont Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomers, DuPont ETPV engineering thermoplastic vulcanizates, DuPont Minlon mineral reinforced nylon resins, DuPont Thermx PCT polycyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate, DuPont Tynex filaments, DuPont Vespel parts and shapes, DuPont Zenite LCP liquid crystal polymers and DuPont Zytel nylon resins.

These products serve global markets in the aerospace, appliance, automotive, consumer, electrical, electronic, industrial, sporting goods and many other diversified industries.

Founded in 1802 science company DuPont operates in more than 70 countries. It offers a wide range of products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

DuPont Electronic & Communication Technologies is a leading supplier of electronic materials, fluoropolymers, fluorochemicals and imaging technologies.

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