KRAIBURG TPE, a leading supplier of thermoplastic elastomers
(TPEs), has launched ground-breaking elastomer technology which results in TPE
materials with optimum grip even in the presence of moisture for a range of
consumer, industrial and medical applications. Wet Grip technology, offered
under the THERMOLAST® W trade name, boasts up to three times the coefficient of
friction (COF) of conventional TPE’s for both dry and wet applications with no
negative impact on physical and rheological performance. That gives consumer
product companies a competitive advantage in their industry or could even allow
the access of new market areas with their products.
The Wet Grip technology, based on styrenic block copolymers
(SBS), is permanent and incorporated throughout the matrix. It does not migrate
to the surface and dissipate over time and has no negative impact on
processability in multi-component injection molding or extrusion processes.
KRAIBURG has the ability to adapt the technology to its broad portfolio of
THERMOLAST® branded SEBS elastomer compounds.
“We’ve developed a one-of-a-kind material solution that
gives products a firm grip even when wet,” said Keith Dunlap, KRAIBURG TPE’s
Director of Sales and Marketing for Americas. “This is a major
development for consumer product companies who want to have a competitive
advantage, enabling them to make products that are safer and easier to handle.”
KRAIBURG’s technology can be used to eliminate the tackiness
found in prior competing material solutions which use tackifiers to achieve the
wet grip, or it can be used along with tackifiers to improve COF performance.
KRAIBURG TPE THERMOLAST® W – Wet Grip compounds also can be made to adhere to a
range of engineering thermoplastics including acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(ABS) and polycarbonate (PC).
KRAIBURG expects the Wet Grip technology to be adapted for a
range of hand-held uses for diverse markets including sporting goods, lawn and
garden, and watercraft. Possible uses for Wet Grip could potentially include
anti-slip mats; tool handles; fitness equipment; serving trays for caterers;
orthopedic aids such as crutches; medical, dental, and surgical instruments;
kitchen utensils; children’s toys; and a range of household goods.
Wet Grip compounds are available in 25-60 Shore A hardness
and meet FDA approvals. Along with the unique Wet Grip performance, THERMOLAST®
W compounds also provide standard performance advantages such as smooth
surface, optimum sealing, versatile bonding, high transparency, and easy
coloring.
KRAIBURG has teamed up with a global partner to launch the
new technology and is currently working to make it available to other global
OEMs and processors.
Wet Grip compounds are currently manufactured at KRAIBURG
TPE’s facilities in the U.S.
and Germany.
KRAIBURG TPE
www.kraiburg-tpe.com