Sarlink® TPV Saves Weight and Cost of Roof Seal in New 'M6' Multi-Purpose Vehicle from Chinese Automaker BYD
Share:
Application Reflects Trend to Simplify Processing and Promote Recycling through Replacement of Thermoset EPDM Rubber with High-Performance TPV Elastomer
SHENZHEN, CHINA: UV-resistant grades of Sarlink® thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) elastomer provide weight and cost savings for the roof seals of the new M6 seven-seat multipurpose vehicle built by China's BYD Auto, it was announced today by the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex Company.
The seals run the length of the vehicle roof on either side and contribute to the stylish, streamlined look of the M6 model. Each is a coextrusion onto a sheet metal strip of two Sarlink compounds, 5790B4 and 5765B4, with Shore A hardnesses of 87 and 65, respectively. The seals are snapped into place during vehicle assembly.
Replacing the EPDM thermoset rubber often used in exterior automotive seals, the seals produced from Sarlink TPV weigh 25% less, saving a total of 0.15 kg per vehicle, according to Teknor Apex's Mr. Ting Wang, business development manager. He also cited the economic and environmental advantages of using a thermoplastic: "A key reason why Sarlink TPV has been replacing EPDM is that it eliminates the labor- and energy-intensive vulcanization step required in the processing of thermoset rubber," said Mr. Wang. "Another important advantage is the recyclability of both process scrap and finished components."
The seals were in development for two years in a cooperative program between BYD and the Shanghai-based Sarlink TPV team, noted Mr. HongQing Wang, technical service specialist for Sarlink TPVs, who added that the project represented the first TPV sealing application for BYD. (The Sarlink team is now part of Teknor Apex since the company purchased the Sarlink business from DSM on November 1.)
"The Sarlink group not only supplied us with high-quality materials but also provided us with information on TPV application, including positive and practical advice on tooling design, the extrusion process, and the production line," said Mr. Hou Zheng-yu, manager of the production department at BYD's rubber operation.
Sarlink TPVs are based on proprietary technology that yields compounds with outstanding rubber-like properties while enabling them to be processed at high rates like any other thermoplastic. The performance profile of Sarlink TPVs offers important advantages over standard TPVs and other widely used thermoplastic elastomer compounds, including high flexural fatigue resistance, low compression set, outstanding heat resistance, high impact strength, and excellent resistance to chemicals, ozone, and UV.
Teknor Apex's Sarlink® TPV office in China is located at Unit 7, 18F, China Fortune Tower, NO, 1568 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shangai 200122. Tel: 86-021-68767868.
The THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER DIVISION of Teknor Apex Company is a leading manufacturer of TPE compounds, including multiple generic types based on polyolefin, vulcanizate, and styrenic technologies. Headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, U.S.A., the Division is an international supplier to the appliance, automotive, construction, medical-device, wire and cable, and other industries. Other plastics businesses of TEKNOR APEX include the Vinyl Div., Chemical Div., Specialty Compounding Div., Teknor Color Company, Chem Polymer, Singapore Polymer Corp., and Teknor Apex Suzhou. Visit the web site: www.teknorapex.com.
READER INQUIRY INFORMATION: Americas: Teknor Apex, 505 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861 U.S.A. Tel:1-401-725-8000. Tel. from U.S. only: 1-866-GET-TPEs (1-866-438-8737). Fax: 1-401-728-5680. E-mail: tpe@teknorapex.com. Europe: Teknor Apex UK, Ltd., Tat Bank Road, Oldbury, West Midlands, England B69 4NH. Tel: 44-121-665-2100. Email: eutpe@teknorapex.com. Asia: Singapore Polymer Corporation, 41 Shipyard Road, Singapore 628134. Tel: 65-6265-2544. Fax: 65-6265-1821. Email: apactpe@teknorapex.com.
Robert J. Martino
Martino Communications Inc.
8 Main Street / P.O. Box 379
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 U.S.A.
Tel: 1-914-478-0754
Fax: 1-914-478-0959
Email: bob@martinocommunications.com
Visit www.martinocommunications.com
