Dow introduces new polyolefin elastomer for automotive TPO

The Dow Chemical Company introduced a new grade of polyolefin elastomer, ENGAGE XLT, for Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO) used for automotive interior and exterior components on May 3.

According to Dow, when compounded with polypropylene, this new material delivers various benefits not previously possible with other TPO impact modifiers. It provides improved impact efficiency that enables lower elastomer loading in the TPO while still delivering excellent impact performance. This lower elastomer loading results in higher TPO stiffness and melt flow and allows part thin-walling for reduced final part weight which contributes toward improved fuel economy.

Computer simulations have shown a reduction of up to 10% in the total weight of a part made with ENGAGE XLT, Dow reveals. The simulations also demonstrate that the reduced wall thickness improves molding cycle times, and actual part molding has shown improved demolding characteristics for improved part quality.

"This product represents the next advancement in TPO impact modification. The ability of ENGAGE XLT to facilitate the production of lighter, larger parts with a faster mold time will allow compounders and manufacturers to cost-effectively produce fuel-efficient vehicles without compromising quality," said Dave Mitchell, Marketing Manager at Dow Elastomers.

ENGAGE XLT is delivered in free flowing pellet form that can be easily handled in large-scale continuous compounding operations.