Teknor Apex unveils TPV for auto, building construction

PAWTUCKET, R.I.—Teknor Apex Co. has released a new thermoplastic vulcanizate, Sarlink R2 3180B, that is made with 25 percent post-industrial recycled content.

The company said the TPV maintains the same performance characteristics as its virgin counterpart.

Applications for the new Sarlink TPV include those in the automotive and building and construction spaces that need superior elasticity and long-term performance, such as extruded seals and hoses, molded gaskets, pipe hanger brackets, dunnage, grommets and automotive body plugs.

"At Teknor Apex, we recognize our responsibility as part of the value chain, to manufacture our products as sustainably as possible, while continuing to deliver more sustainable material solutions to the market," said Jonathan Plisco, new business development manager. "We understand sustainability is complex and interconnected. There are many paths to sustainability, and our products play an integral role."

Many engineers and custom mixers are looking to TPVs over rubbers like EPDM, according to Teknor Apex, as TPVs tend to have better processing and weight traits.

And the sustainability of the Sarlink TPV—an all-black, high-durometer material—is versatile, since it can be recycled either during processing or in the end product.

Teknor Apex said it "treats recycled feedstocks like prime raw materials ... subject to the same quality assurance testing."

"Every day we are investigating new sustainable raw materials, processes, technologies and partners to continue to deliver sustainable solutions to the market," Plisco said.

Softer grades of the Sarlink TPV, as well as specialty formulations, are under development and are scheduled to be released later this year, the company said.