DSM Elastomers plans speciality line of peroxide-cure EPDMs

Geleen, Netherlands - DSM Elastomers will begin producing a specialtiy line of peroxide-cure EPDMs next year based on a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement with Nova Chemicals.

DSM Elastomers has dubbed the new technology Keltan ACE, standing for Advanced Catalysis Elastomers. DSM said it achieved breakthroughs in advanced catalysis technology based on Nova's proprietary single-site catalyst know-how that allows it to make EPDM lines with improved properties.

DSM Elastomers said its patent-protected technology results in a new class of EPDMs containing high levels of VNB -- scientifically 2-vinyl-5-norbornene -- as the third monomer without causing gelation or uncontrolled polymer branching.

The firm is producing pilot volumes of the material and expects to start commercial production at its Geleen facility next year, said Herman Dikland, Keltan ACE business manager. Initial concentration will be on peroxide-cured applications such as window gaskets and radiator hoses, he said.

The new catalyst works more efficiently with the peroxide curing systems, allowing compounders to work with much lower levels of the expensive vulcanising agent, said Dikland. He added that

However, sources within DSM said the company is currently exploring lines of research which might offer the same benefits to sulphur-cured grades. If these were developed, they would permit either less sulphur to be used to achieve a fast cure, or it could allow customers to use higher levels of filler without the negativ side effects of high filler levels.