WEST CONSCHOHOCKEN, Pa.—ASTM International's plastics committee D20 named a new classification system for a type of rubberlike material.
The standard (D8156) covers thermoplastic copolyester molding and extrusion materials (TPC), which are used in applications from clothing to car parts, according to an ASTM release.
TPC combines flexibility, high-temperature resistance and strength in a unique way, according to Huub Omloo, a senior standardization manager at Netherlands-based DSM Engineering Plastics.
Soft forms of TPC can be used for products like fitness clothing and more firm forms can be used for applications such as air ducts. The standard (D8156) allows for the use of recycled copolyester elastomers, if classification requirements are met.