DuPont Dow, PolyOne to develop TPE compounds

WILMINGTON, Del. (Aug. 30)—DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. and PolyOne Corp. are planning to develop thermoplastic elastomer compounds based on Engage polyolefin elastomers from DuPont Dow. Under the deal, PolyOne will make a new range of TPE extrusion and molding compounds based on Engage, the metallocene-catalyzed copolymers of ethylene and other olefins, including octene. Cleveland-based PolyOne will market the materials, of Shore A hardness 65 to 90, as a new EG 9000 series within its Elastamax range. The series will be produced using new DuPont Dow compounding technology designed to improve the processability and end-use performance of Engage materials. DuPont Dow said it expects the partnership to increase selling opportunities for Engage, while PolyOne will extend its elastomer compounds range and gain product development support.