Eastman and Lubrizol Collaborate to Enhance TPE Overmolding Adhesion With Sustainable Materials
April 30 2024 - 8:42AM
Business Wire
Eastman and Lubrizol have successfully partnered on improving
adhesion strength of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) overmolded
onto Eastman Tritan™ copolyester TX1501HF. The collaboration
stemmed from a mutual recognition of overmolding's importance in
manufacturing while delivering improved product performance and
aesthetics in consumer goods when using Eastman’s sustainable
material, Tritan™ Renew, and Lubrizol’s ESTANE® ECO, renewably
sourced TPU.
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Eastman and Lubrizol collaborate to
enhance TPE overmolding adhesion with sustainable materials.
(Photo: Business Wire)
The companies researched how specific processing variables
impact the adhesion strength of overmolded samples produced through
2K injection molding. The study’s findings are believed to be
applicable across various TPE and substrate combinations. This is
of particular interest when mechanical interlocks cannot be used,
and material changes are not feasible but improvements in adhesion
strengths are desired.
By optimizing key TPE processing variables like mold
temperature, pack and hold time, and TPE barrel temperature, the
research team achieved a notable 124% improvement in adhesion
strength compared to values obtained using non-ideal processing
conditions. An additional improvement in adhesion strength was
observed when Lubrizol’s ESTANE® ECO 12T80E and 16T85 TPU grades
were used. These grades displayed the highest peel strength values
(> 310 N) of all TPEs evaluated in this preliminary study.
“This was a unique opportunity for two leading material
companies to leverage sustainable multi-material solutions that
enable customer innovations and expand the limits of consumer
product experiences,” said Vince Haas, Lubrizol’s engineered
polymers senior business director.
“This effort has advanced our understanding of overmolding and
TPEs, providing valuable guidance for engineers and manufacturers
looking to improve overmolded product strength,” said Courtland
Jenkins, Eastman’s commercial director for engineered solutions.
“These findings open doors for new and innovative product designs,
particularly when using recycled content.”
For a detailed view of the study, access the white paper
[link].
NPE2024 attendees are invited to visit Lubrizol’s booth #S35017,
May 6-10 in Orlando, Fla., to see Tritan™ Renew materials
overmolded with ESTANE® ECO technology and can also gain deeper
insights through a joint webinar hosted by UL Prospector at 9 a.m.
on Wednesday, June 12. Webinar registration link here
[link].
About Eastman
Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a
broad range of products found in items people use every day. With
the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way,
Eastman is committed to safety, innovation and sustainability.
Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, it had 2023 revenues of
approximately $9.2 billion. For more information, visit
www.eastman.com.
About The Lubrizol Corporation
The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a
specialty chemical company whose science delivers sustainable
solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing and enhance modern
life. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100
manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices around the
world and has more than 8,000 employees. For more information,
visit www.Lubrizol.com.
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Media Contacts: Lubrizol Laura Hall 1-440-943-4300
laura.hall@lubrizol.com Tombras for
Eastman Jacob Teetzmann 1-423-494-3673
jteetzmann@tombras.com