The new Santoprene TPVs set the material benchmark for demanding automotive parts such as glass-sealed weather-resistant seals

Provides long-lasting sealing performance, is more aesthetically pleasing and easier to process

Help the automotive industry reduce costs and reduce vehicle weight

HOUSTON, USA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shandongping introduced SantopreneTM 121-XXM200 thermoplastic for automotive parts that require aesthetics and processing performance, such as glass-sealed weather-resistant seals for triangular windows and side-mounted glass applications. Vulcanized elastomer, which is a series of highly fluid thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) grades.

Santoprene 121-XXM200 Thermoplastic vulcanized elastomer grades exhibit a lower dynamic viscosity, which enhances flow at various shear rates, resulting in molded seals with excellent surface appearance and no flow marks.

Depending on part size and wall thickness, injection pressure can be reduced by approximately 30-40%, injection temperature can be reduced by 10 °C (50 °F), and cycle times can be shortened, all of which contribute to improved processability. By reducing glass breakage and reducing energy consumption, coupled with the fact that thermoplastic vulcanizates can be fully recycled, this can lead to sustainability advantages. In addition, it is possible to save costs by simplifying the machining process and shortening the cycle time.

“Shandoping 121-XXM200 thermoplastic vulcanizate grade is part of our ongoing innovation to develop new thermoplastic vulcanizates. We have developed a new thermoplastic vulcanizate that meets the automotive industry's cost reduction and weight reduction engineering applications. It also enhances functionality and appearance performance,” said Michael Russo, global brand manager for ExxonMobil Chemical Santoprene TPV.

Santoprene 121-XXM200 The higher gloss of the thermoplastic vulcanized elastomer grade increases the flexibility of the design, while also allowing the surface matching of the extruded profile with a specific mold grain finish. Santoprene 121-XXM200 Thermoplastic vulcanizate grades offer comparable compression and tensile set properties to EPDM rubber and external UV resistance in compliance with original equipment manufacturer specifications. The new thermoplastic vulcanizate grades require lower injection pressures and are less sensitive to flow direction during the forming process. As a result, there is less risk of part distortion, making it easier to set process conditions and mold design.

“The automotive industry needs an external sealing system that combines surface coordination and long-lasting sealing properties. The new Santoprene 121-XXM200 thermoplastic vulcanizate grade meets these needs,” Russo said.

Santoprene 121-XXM200 Thermoplastic vulcanizates are available in two hardness grades (60 Shore A and 75 Shore A) for easy replacement of existing materials.