WALDKRAIBURG, Germany—Kraiburg TPE GmbH and Co. K.G. released a new compound of its Thermolast K UV/LD/b series for outdoor applications for building and construction, electrical engineering and electronics, as well as automotive.
The new thermoplastic elastomer grade combines mechanical and thermal properties with adhesion to polyolefins and surface finish, in addition to high UV resistance, according to a company release. It has been specified for overmolding the interface of co-axial cables and metal connectors used in outdoor installations at cell towers.
The new compound provides a hardness of 35 Shore D, which is equivalent to 90 Shore A, at the top end of Kraiburg TPE's existing range of the Thermolast product family, the company said. It also provides flexibility for cable boots for strain relief.
Other properties to be met included optimum adhesion to polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and low-density polyethylene, as well as compatibility with silicones, Kraiburg TPE said.
The compound's aging behavior was tested according to VW PV 3930, an automotive standard usually applied during master sample approvals. The test simulates the effects of long-term weathering and solar irradiation in hot and humid climate regions such as Florida. The results showed no significant discoloration or loss of gloss, according to Kraiburg TPE.
