Avient taps Cooper Standard's Fortrex technology for new Barricade elastomers

NORTHVILLE, Mich.—Through a licensing agreement with Cooper Standard Holdings Inc., Avient Corp. has tapped into the Fortrex chemistry platform to create a new line of elastomers under the Barricade-brand name.

This crosslinkable elastomer offers high-temperature compression set performance, easier processing and a lighter weight solution when compared to conventional thermoplastic vulcanizates, silicones and thermoset rubbers, Cooper Standard said in news release.

According to Avient, which formed when PolyOne Corp. acquired Clariant on July 1, Barricade solutions are lighter in weight and show improved tear strength over general-purpose TPV and silicone materials. Together with elevated compression set performance for high-temperature applications, this combination of properties expands design freedom and processing ease for tubing, hoses, seals, gaskets, grommets and other components within consumer, health care and industrial markets.

The naturally translucent material can be colored press-side or formulated in a custom pre-colored version.

The Barricade product line is manufactured in North America and is commercially available in major markets.

"As an improved, high-performance elastomer, Barricade offers a new level of performance for a number of applications in key growth industries," Jeffrey DeBest, Cooper Standard's executive vice president and president of its Advanced Technology Group, said in a statement. "Cooper Standard's Advanced Technology Group is eager to witness Barricade's success and looks forward to supporting additional future material developments with (Avient)."

Fortrex can take many forms—dense extrusions, foams and membranes—according to Cooper Standard, giving it versatility in its usage. Last year, Fortex materials were key in helping to develop noise dampening seals for an electric version of the Ford Explorer.

Industry wide, Fortrex has earned accolades for its innovation. In 2018, it earned an Automotive News PACE Award. Twice—in 2018 and 2019—the material was a finalist for the Society of Plastics Engineers Innovation Award.