Eastman and Lubrizol Collaborate To Enhance TPE Overmolding Adhesion With Sustainable Materials
Eastman and Lubrizol have partnered to enhance the adhesion strength of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) overmolded onto Eastman's Tritan™ copolyester TX1501HF.
The collaboration underscores the significance of overmolding in manufacturing, aiming at improving product performance and aesthetics in consumer goods. Utilizing sustainable materials, Tritan™ Renew and Lubrizol's ESTANE® ECO TPU, the companies optimized key TPE processing variables such as mold temperature and barrel temperature, achieving a 124% improvement in adhesion strength.
Further enhancements were noted with Lubrizol's ESTANE® ECO TPU grades, which displayed the highest peel strength values (>310 N). These findings offer valuable guidance for engineers and manufacturers, paving the way for innovative product designs using recycled content.
Attendees at NPE2024 in Orlando, Fla., can witness these materials firsthand and gain deeper insights through a joint webinar on June 12.
- 124% improvement in adhesion strength of TPEs.
- Use of sustainable materials: Tritan™ Renew and ESTANE® ECO TPU.
- Highest peel strength values (>310 N) achieved with ESTANE® ECO TPU grades.
- Guidance provided for engineers and manufacturers to improve overmolded product strength.
- Potential for innovative product designs using recycled content.
- No immediate financial data or impact on earnings reported.
- Long-term benefits are speculative and dependent on market adoption.
- Additional costs and process optimizations may be required for manufacturers.
Insights
The partnership between Eastman and Lubrizol marks a significant step in the advancement of sustainable materials for the manufacturing sector. The enhancement in adhesion strength of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) overmolded onto Eastman Tritan™ copolyester TX1501HF is particularly noteworthy. A 124% improvement in adhesion strength indicates a substantial enhancement in the material's performance, potentially allowing for more durable consumer goods that also align with sustainability goals.
From a material science perspective, the optimization of key processing variables like mold temperature, pack and hold time and TPE barrel temperature is important to achieving these results. Moreover, the use of Lubrizol's ESTANE® ECO 12T80E and 16T85 TPU grades, which showed the highest peel strength values, underscores the importance of selecting the right material grades for specific applications.
This innovation could lead to new applications in various industries such as automotive, electronics and consumer goods, where enhanced adhesion and sustainability are increasingly important. The potential to use recycled content without compromising on performance opens up numerous possibilities for future product designs.
For investors, this collaboration between Eastman and Lubrizol can be seen as a positive development. The improved adhesion strength and focus on sustainable materials align well with current market trends towards sustainability and performance enhancement. Consumer demand is shifting towards products that are both high-performing and environmentally friendly and this collaboration positions both companies favorably within this space.
In the short term, this partnership could provide Eastman and Lubrizol with a competitive edge, potentially leading to increased market share in the segments targeting sustainable materials. In the long term, the insights gained from this study could spur further innovations and applications, potentially leading to new revenue streams and strengthening the companies' positions as leaders in sustainable material solutions.
Investors should consider the broad applicability of these findings across various TPE and substrate combinations, which may result in a ripple effect of enhanced product offerings in multiple industries.
KINGSPORT, TN and WICKLIFFE, OH / ACCESSWIRE / May 14, 2024 / 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
"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 here.
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.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, 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 works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2022 revenue of approximately
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.
Media contact
Jacob Teetzmann
1-423-494-3673
jteetzmann@tombras.com
Media contact
Laura Hall
1-440-943-4300
laura.hall@lubrizol.com
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SOURCE: Eastman
View the original press release on accesswire.com
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