Hexpol TPE expands bio-based compound offerings

Malmö, Sweden – Compounder Hexpol TPE has extended its range of bio-TPE products with grades based on styrenic block copolymer (TPS) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) materials,

The company's Dryflex Green range employs polymers, fillers and/or additives derived from resources, such as carbohydrate- rich plant and vegetable crops – especially saccharides. 

The new offerings feature renewable-content levels "to over 90%" (ASTM D 6866-12) and hardness from 15 Shore A to 60 Shore D, said a statement issued 25 Aug by the Swedish company.

Target applications include low fogging/VOC automotive interior parts such as floor mats, cup holder liners, fascia, trim and inlay mats.

According to Hexpol TPE, its bio-based elastomers can usually be used as a drop-in solution, without tool modifications, and match the mechanical and physical properties of conventional TPE compounds.

They also show very good bonding behaviour to PE and PP, with special grades for bonding to ABS, PC/ABS and PET, the group’s statement further pointed out.

“Alongside our TPEs with recycled content and bio-composite compounds, we are developing an extensive portfolio of resource-saving materials," said Klas Dannäs, global R&D manager Hexpol TPE.

"We continue to trial new and emerging raw material combinations and further test the possibilities of Dryflex Green TPE compounds,” he added.