OnFlex BIO Series soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE-U) injection molding compounds are based on at least 20% renewable material as certified by ASTM-D6866.
These bio-based materials utilize Merquinsa’s patent-pending Pearlthane® ECO TPU technology to provide molders with two new product families. The two series of materials, dubbed OnFlex BIO 5100 and OnFlex BIO 5300, are formulated to meet global market needs for sustainable and eco-conscious products.
Beyond renewability, these compounds feature:
- Matte surface finish
- Rubber-like feel and soft touch
- Excellent mechanical properties and abrasion resistance
- Fast cycle time
Among the benefits offered by this new technology are:
- Based in part on renewable natural sources
- Uses no consumable food products
- 100% recyclable
When compared to conventional TPE-U’s of the same hardness, OnFlex BIO Series materials exhibit similar properties, while processability for injection molding has been proven equal or slightly better in terms of cycle time.
The OnFlex BIO 5300 Series is designed to process easily in injection molding, extrusion and calendaring equipment. Moreover, it can be co-adhered to many thermoplastic substrates. OnFlex BIO 5300 Series products are available in a hardness range of 70-85 Shore A.
OnFlex BIO 5100 Series offers glass-filled compounds. Glass fibers are combined with TPE-U to provide outstanding stiffness, excellent abrasion and impact resistance, a low coefficient of thermal expansion and excellent mechanical properties.
PolyOne’s development efforts are aimed at effective polymer solutions that help customers meet the growing demand for environmental stewardship. This new development reflects the company’s strategy to provide value-creating product and service solutions to its customers as they seek to meet marketplace demands in concert with environmental goals, including standards governed by REACH, RoHS, ELV, WEEE and other forthcoming directives.
