Enflex

Brand Information

Enflex® TPE-O and Enflex® TPE-V: Versatile Thermoplastic Elastomers

Ravago produces many different brands of thermoplastic elastomers to compete with thermoset rubbers. Enflex TPE is available from their Turkish plant and can be modified as a vulcanised TPE (TPE-V) or olefin-based TPE (TPE-O), which relates to the elastic phase of the polymer. The characteristics of the TPE depend on the elastomeric component and the thermoplastic rigid component. Elastomeric components give the material its properties such as elasticity, softness, flexibility, low compression set, and low service temperature. Thermoplastic rigid components contribute hardness, ease of processing, recyclability, and a higher service temperature.

Enflex® TPE-O:

Enflex® TPE-O offers a hardness range from 60 Shore A to 65 Shore D, with a service temperature range from -40 to +120°C, depending on the grade. It has a low density from 0.9 to 1.1 g/cm³, depending on the formulation, and provides a very good surface appearance. Enflex® TPE-O is easy to process (no pre-drying required) and recyclable, with good UV and weathering resistance, fluid resistance, and good adhesion to polyolefins.

Enflex® TPE-V:

Enflex® TPE-V is a brand name for dynamically vulcanised ethylene/propylene/diene (EPDM) and polypropylene (PP) blends. Fully cured EPDM particles homogenously distributed in the thermoplastic polypropylene phase give these compounds unique rubber-like properties, with the advantage of thermoplastic processing techniques. Enflex® TPE-V offers a hardness range from 45 Shore A to 60 Shore D, with a service temperature range from -50 to +125°C (dynamic) and -50 to +135°C (static/peak). It has excellent ozone, UV, and weather resistance due to the saturated elastomeric phase, chemical resistance to aggressive mediums, very low (rubber-like) compression set, and good elasticity that does not change significantly over time. Enflex® TPE-V also offers adhesion to a broad range of polar and non-polar substrates such as PP, PA, ABS, PC, and PS. The broad product range includes halogen-free FR, improved oil resistance, improved temperature resistance, and other speciality grades. Enflex® TPE-V is recyclable and has lower processing costs compared to traditional cured rubbers, with lower density and very good resistance to fatigue and tear strength.

Overmoulding allows for the creation of soft-touch parts with excellent aesthetics, enhancing both the functionality and appearance of the final product.

Harnessing the knowledge and technical support from Ravago plants and their service team, Resinex can help identify the most suitable materials and processes for specific applications, ensuring optimal performance and quality.