KINGSPORT, Tenn. and WICKLIFFE, Ohio, April 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
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 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
lubrizol.com.
Media Contacts:
Eastman
Jacob Teetzmann
Tombras
1-423-494-3673
jteetzmann@tombras.com
Lubrizol
Laura Hall
1-440-943-4300
laura.hall@lubrizol.com
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SOURCE Eastman