Si-TPV Plastic Additive and Polymer Modifier: A Novel Pathway for Silky Soft Surfaces in Thermoplastic Elastomers

describe:

The Si-TPV 2150 Series, developed by SILIKE, is a unique dynamic vulcanizate silicone-based elastomer that serves as a plastic additive and polymer modifier, as well as Feel Modifiers (Thermoplastic Elastomers Feel Modifiers), Surface Modification For Non-Stickiness TPE Formulations.

Si-TPV Thermoplastic Silicone Elastomers 2150 Series solutions help enhance processing and improve the thermoplastic elastomer performance of finished components. It is particularly effective as a silicone-containing modifier for thermoplastic elastomers, offering benefits like anti-scratch and abrasion resistance, non-stick surface modification, and improved haptics in TPE formulations. By incorporating these silicone modifiers, manufacturers can enhance TPE performance, reduce material accumulation at the extrusion die, and improve processing efficiency.

SEND EMAIL TO US

Product Detail
Product Tags

Detail

The SILIKE Si-TPV 2150 Series is a dynamic vulcanizate silicone-based elastomer, developed using advanced compatibility technology. This process disperses silicone rubber into SEBS as fine particles, ranging from 1 to 3 microns under a microscope. These unique materials combine the strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance of thermoplastic elastomers with the desirable properties of silicone, such as softness, a silky feel, and resistance to UV light and chemicals. Additionally, Si-TPV materials are recyclable and can be reused in traditional manufacturing processes.
Si-TPV can be used directly as a raw material, specifically designed for soft-touch over-molding applications in wearable electronics, protective cases for electronic devices, automotive components, high-end TPEs, and the TPE wire industries.
Beyond its direct use, Si-TPV can also serve as a polymer modifier and process additive for thermoplastic elastomers or other polymers. It enhances elasticity, improves processing, and boosts surface properties. When blended with TPE or TPU, Si-TPV provides long-lasting surface smoothness and a pleasant tactile feel, while also improving scratch and abrasion resistance. It reduces hardness without negatively affecting mechanical properties and offers better aging, yellowing, and stain resistance. It can also create a desirable matte finish on the surface.
Unlike conventional silicone additives, Si-TPV is supplied in pellet form and is processed like a thermoplastic. It disperses finely and homogeneously throughout the polymer matrix, with the copolymer becoming physically bound to the matrix. This eliminates the concern of migration or "blooming" issues, making Si-TPV an effective and innovative solution for achieving silky soft surfaces in thermoplastic elastomers or other polymers. and does not require additional processing or coating steps.

Key Benefits

In TPE
1. Abrasion resistance
2. Stain resistance with a smaller water contact angle
3. Reduce hardness
4. Almost no influence on mechanical properties with our Si-TPV 2150 series
5. Excellent haptics, dry silky touch, no blooming after long-term use

Durability Sustainability

Advanced solvent-free technology, without plasticizer, no softening oil, and odorless.
Environmental protection and recyclability.
Available in regulatory-compliant formulations.

Si-TPV plastic additive and polymer modifier Case Studies

Si-TPV 2150 series has the characteristics of a long-term skin-friendly soft touch, good stain resistance, no plasticizer and softener added, and no precipitation after long-term use, that serves as a plastic additive and polymer modifier, especially suitably used for silky pleasant feel thermoplastic elastomers preparation.

Comparing the Effects of Si-TPV Plastic Additive and Polymer Modifier on TPE Performance

Application

Si-TPV acts as an innovative feel modifier and processing additive for thermoplastic elastomers and other polymers. It can be compounded with various elastomers and engineering or general plastics, such as TPE, TPU, SEBS, PP, PE, COPE, EVA, ABS, and PVC. These solutions help enhance processing efficiency and improve the scratch and abrasion resistance performance of finished components.
A key advantage of products made with TPE and Si-TPV blends is the creation of a silky-soft surface non-tacky feel—precisely the tactile experience end users expect from items they frequently touch or wear. This unique feature broadens the range of potential applications for TPE elastomer materials across multiple industries. Furthermore, incorporating Si-TPV as a modifier enhances the flexibility, elasticity, and durability of the elastomer materials, while making the manufacturing process more cost-effective.

Solutions:

Struggling to Boost TPE Performance? Si-TPV Plastic Additives and polymer modifiers Provide the Answer

Introduction to TPEs

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are categorized by chemical composition, including Thermoplastic Olefins (TPE-O), Styrenic Compounds (TPE-S), Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPE-V), Polyurethanes (TPE-U), Copolyesters (COPE), and Copolyamides (COPA). While polyurethanes and copolyesters may be over-engineered for some uses, more cost-effective options like TPE-S and TPE-V often offer a better fit for applications.

Conventional TPEs are physical blends of rubber and thermoplastics, but TPE-Vs differ by having rubber particles that are partially or fully cross-linked, improving their performance. TPE-Vs feature lower compression sets, better chemical and abrasion resistance, and higher temperature stability, making them ideal for replacing rubber in seals. In contrast, conventional TPEs provide greater formulation flexibility, higher tensile strength, elasticity, and colorability, making them suitable for products like consumer goods, electronics, and medical devices. They also bond well to rigid substrates like PC, ABS, HIPS, and Nylon, which is advantageous for soft-touch applications.

Challenges with TPEs

TPEs combine elasticity with mechanical strength and processability, making them highly versatile. Their elastic properties, such as compression set and elongation, come from the elastomer phase, while tensile and tear strength depend on the plastic component.

TPEs can be processed like conventional thermoplastics at elevated temperatures, where they enter the melt phase, allowing for efficient manufacturing using standard plastic processing equipment. Their operating temperature range is also notable, extending from very low temperatures—close to the glass transition point of the elastomer phase—to high temperatures nearing the melting point of the thermoplastic phase— adding to their versatility.

However, despite these advantages, several challenges persist in optimizing the performance of TPEs. One major issue is the difficulty in balancing elasticity with mechanical strength. Enhancing one property often comes at the cost of the other, making it challenging for manufacturers to develop TPE formulations that maintain a consistent balance of desired features. Additionally, TPEs are susceptible to surface damage such as scratches and marring, which can negatively impact both the appearance and functionality of products made from these materials.

Maximizing TPE Performance: Addressing Key Challenges
1. The Challenge of Balancing Elasticity and Mechanical Strength: One of the major challenges with TPEs is the delicate balance between elasticity and mechanical strength. Enhancing one often leads to the deterioration of the other. This trade-off can be particularly problematic when manufacturers need to maintain a specific performance standard for applications requiring both high flexibility and durability.
Solution: To address this, manufacturers can incorporate crosslinking strategies like dynamic vulcanization, where the elastomer phase is partially vulcanized within the thermoplastic matrix. This process enhances mechanical properties without sacrificing elasticity, resulting in a TPE that maintains both flexibility and strength. Additionally, introducing compatible plasticizers or modifying the polymer blend can fine-tune the mechanical properties, allowing manufacturers to optimize the material’s performance for specific applications.
2. Surface Damage Resistance: TPEs are prone to surface damage such as scratches, marring, and abrasion, which can affect the appearance and functionality of products, especially in consumer-facing industries like automotive or electronics. Maintaining a high-quality finish is crucial to ensuring product longevity and customer satisfaction.
Solution: One effective approach to mitigating surface damage is the inclusion of silicone-based additives or surface-modifying agents. These additives enhance the scratch and mar resistance of TPEs while preserving their inherent flexibility. Siloxane-based additives, for instance, form a protective layer on the surface, reducing friction and minimizing the impact of abrasion. Additionally, coatings can be applied to further protect the surface, making the material more durable and aesthetically appealing.
Specifically, SILIKE Si-TPV, a novel silicone-based additive, offers multiple functionalities, including acting as a process additive, modifier, and feel enhancer for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). When Silicone-Based Thermoplastic Elastomer (Si-TPV) is incorporated into TPEs, the benefits include:
Improved abrasion and scratch resistance.
● Enhanced stain resistance, evidenced by a smaller water contact angle.
● Reduced hardness.
● Minimal impact on mechanical properties.
● Excellent haptics, providing a dry, silky touch with no blooming after long-term use.
3. Thermal Stability Across a Wide Operating Range: TPEs have a broad operating temperature range, from low temperatures near the elastomer phase’s glass transition point to high temperatures approaching the thermoplastic phase’s melting point. However, maintaining stability and performance at both extremes of this range can be difficult.
Solution: Incorporating heat stabilizers, UV stabilizers, or anti-aging additives into TPE formulations can help extend the material’s operational life in harsh environments. For high-temperature applications, reinforcing agents like nanofillers or fiber reinforcements can be used to maintain the structural integrity of the TPE at elevated temperatures. Conversely, for low-temperature performance, the elastomer phase can be optimized to ensure flexibility and prevent brittleness at freezing temperatures.
4. Overcoming the Limitations of Styrene Block Copolymers: Styrene block copolymers (SBCs) are commonly used in TPE formulations for their softness and ease of processing. However, their softness can come at the expense of mechanical strength, making them less suitable for demanding applications.
Solution: A viable solution is to blend SBCs with other polymers that enhance their mechanical strength without significantly increasing hardness. Another approach is to utilize vulcanization techniques to toughen the elastomer phase while preserving a soft touch. In doing so, the TPE can retain its desirable softness while also offering improved mechanical properties, making it more versatile across a range of applications.
Want to Enhance TPE Performance?
By employing Si-TPV, manufacturers can significantly enhance the performance of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). This innovative plastic additive and polymer modifier improves flexibility, durability, and tactile feel, unlocking new possibilities for TPE applications across various industries. To learn more about how Si-TPV can enhance your TPE products, please contact SILIKE via email at amy.wang@silike.cn.