New Products: Denka develops new high-performance elastomer

TOKYO—Japanese materials supplier Denka Co. Ltd. has developed its third high-performance elastomer, dubbed Evolmer, which can be used as an alternative to hydrogenated nitrile rubber.

Samples have been sent to customers for trial, the firm said, noting that it has received positive feedback so far.

Denka, which already supplies Denka chloroprene and Denka ER onto the market, said Evolmer combines elastomer technologies developed through the production of the other two elastomers.

In addition to demonstrating improved flex fatigue resistance in dynamic environments, Denka claims that Evolmer has good mechanical strength, as well as oil and abrasion resistance. Its compression set also remains low at low temperatures.

Evolmer has applications in areas such as automotive, construction machinery, electric equipment, sealants and fiber-treatment materials.

The Tokyo-based supplier plans to produce the new elastomer at its Omi plant in Itoigawa City. A new line will be installed in October, and Evolmer will be released on the market in January. Denka expects to achieve sales of 1,500 metric tons per year by 2022.

The New Products blog showcases innovations suppliers are introducing to the rubber industry. It focuses on new materials, machinery, molds, testing equipment, software, and other goods and services that are intended to help manufacturers of finished rubber products. The blog will appear on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To have your product considered for the blog, contact Online Content Editor Erin Pustay Beaven at [email protected] or Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].