A weekly look at new products, innovations

Editor's Note: Each week, Rubber & Plastics News will take a look at some of the rubber industry's new products and innovations on www.rubbernews.com. Does your company have a new product or new innovation? To be considered for inclusion in this recurring feature, email [email protected].

Dow Corning Corp. has introduced two Silastic brand F-LSRs to expand design options and provide processing efficiency for fuel-resistant automotive components.

The newest product offerings add 60 and 70 durometer hardness options.

The Silastic F-LSRs meet market needs for both performance and cost control, Dow Corning said, and combines the fuel, oil and solvent resistance of fluorosilicone rubber with the processing benefits of liquid silicone rubber.

This latest fluorosilicone elastomer technology from Dow Corning can help designers develop more durable components for withstanding severe operating environments, the firm said, and can help fabricators achieve manufacturing improvements with automated processing, reduced labor costs, shorter cycle times, energy savings and reduced scrap rates.

The two newest Silastic fluoro liquid silicone rubbers in Dow Corning's product range are Silastic FL 60-9201 F-LSR (60 Shore A durometer) and Silastic FL 70-9201 F-LSR (70 Shore A durometer). According to the company, both exhibit resistance to nonpolar hydrocarbon fuels, oils and solvents and offer process cost savings, especially for molding small parts in high volumes. Silastic FL-60-9201 F-LSR provides flexibility for dynamic seals such as diaphragms and membranes, Dow Corning said, while Silastic FL 70-9201 F-LSR provides high modulus with low compression set for static seals such as O-rings and gaskets.

For more information about Dow Corning and Silastic brand engineered elastomers and other Dow Corning automotive solutions, visit www.dowcorning.com.

Dow Automotive Systems has launched Specflex Activ, the first viable amine emission-free polyurethane foam formulation for interior applications. This technology enables automotive seat pad foamers to meet the most stringent industry requirements, Dow Automotive said, such as the German original equipment manufacturer specifications including ultra-low emissions.

Traditional polyurethane foams require amine catalysts to promote reaction between polyols and water with the isocyanate component (the gelling and blowing reactions), Dow Automotive said. Previously, these added catalysts have contributed to amine emission issues with polyurethane foams and also negatively impact physical and mechanical properties.

Specflex Activ has been tested and validated in an industrial setting by Faurecia, one of the leaders in automotive seating.

The Specflex Activ product includes a new Dow Automotive additive polyol with high and specifically balanced catalytic activity. This formulation allows foam manufacturers to eliminate catalysts and amine emissions when manufacturing polyurethane foam.

For more information, go to www.dowautomotive.com/news/2014/20140613a.htm

APS Elastomers said its latest thermoplastic polyurethanes provides good aesthetics, low tackiness and process efficiency for use in film, sheet and extrusion coating and cured-in-place pipe applications.

APS said the specially-formulated TPU maintains a low coefficient of friction and contact clarity without the need of lubricants, waxes or inorganic fillers that cause blooming or affect transparency in end products. Performance properties include: resistance to abrasion, chemical and heat resistance, as well as good adhesion, and transparency. According to the company, the TPU's low tackiness also improves post-processing operations such as printing, hot stamping, laminating and assembly.

With a Shore hardness range from 85A – 50D, the TPU allows faster processing and lower power requirements due to easier flow properties, the company said.

For more information, contact APS Elastomers at [email protected].