SANTOPRENE GRADE SUITED TO SOFTER GRIP APPLICATIONS
20 October 2004 - ExxonMobil Chemical Co

Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES), an affiliate of ExxonMobil Chemical Co, has developed Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) grade X8211-25, suitable for many consumer product and packaging applications that require a softer grip, as well as resistance to repeated exposures to heat, oils, chemicals and other fluids.

Santoprene TPE grade X8211-25 is developed from proprietary technology. 'Material specifiers now have the ability to choose a TPE with a very soft, silky feel combined with the added performance of a fully vulcanized elastomer,' said Ulf Nilsson, Global Director, Consumer Marketing. 'This new Santoprene TPE grade is suitable for high-quality consumer products that will be defined as high-style, high-technology or those that combine style and function.'

Santoprene TPE grade X8211-25 is able to withstand numerous dishwasher cycles; exhibits excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, including cooking oils; and possesses good compression set - qualities that are desirable for consumer products exposed to harsh conditions and those that need to be more durable with no oil exudation.

AES developed this softer Santoprene TPE grade to meet the demand and create market opportunities for very soft elastomers that combine favouable aesthetics and performance and are easy-to-colour.

'Many consumer product designers and manufacturers previously sacrificed performance to incorporate soft-touch into their products,' said Nilsson. 'Santoprene TPE offers a solution that joins soft-touch with highly engineered properties, enabling more design choices and geometries.'

The new grade is part of the Santoprene TPE 8000 Series. These grades offer the additional benefits of being non-hygroscopic (do not require drying); and are easy-to-colour; and have excellent processability characteristics, especially for complex parts.

With head offices in Akron, Ohio, AES is an affiliate of ExxonMobil Chemical Co, a division of Exxon Mobil Corp. AES is the worldwide leader in engineered TPVs, materials with the performance and aesthetics of rubber, and the processing ease of plastic. The company's flagship product Santoprene TPV is a recyclable elastomer commonly used in the appliance, automotive, construction, consumer goods, electrical, fluid delivery, grips, medical and packaging industries.

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