PAWTUCKET, R.I.—Germany has some of the strictest requirements for drinking water applications in the world, and Teknor Apex Co. has developed a series of thermoplastic elastomers that meet these thresholds.
The international custom compounder that works in TPEs, nylon and vinyl applications for a range of industries has released its Monprene RG-1400 series, designed for elastic residential applications such as shower heads, plumbing seals and gaskets, membranes, valves, pipe fittings and connectors and hoses—anything that comes in direct or indirect contact with potable water.
"Monprene RG-14000 Series TPEs help to avoid chemical or microbial contamination of potable water systems and prevent impairment of water quality with unwanted odors, flavors or colors," said Chris Smith, senior market manager for Teknor Apex in Europe. "Besides making them available in a wide range of standard grades, Teknor Apex can develop custom formulations to meet specific customer requirements."
Teknor said the elastomers have been tested by German labs for hygiene compliance and are approved for cold and warm water. As well, the Monprene RG-1400 series can undergo a German test method that checks for microbial growth on non-metallic materials in drinking water systems.
The TPEs can be extruded, injection-molded or over-molded on to polyolefin substrates and are available in natural and black colors, in Shore A hardness from 50 to 90.
Teknor Apex was founded in 1924 as a small tire store in Rhode Island and operates 13 manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Belgium, Germany, China and Singapore.
