Fakuma: KRAIBURG TPE to highlight new compounds for water applications

KRAIBURG TPE will demonstrate its expertise in the field of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with a series of new TPE compounds for sophisticated drinking water and hot water applications, and an expanded line of circular products at Fakuma 2023.

KRAIBURG TPE will showcase a series of innovative TPEs at Fakuma 2023.

TPE series for drinking water application

THERMOLAST DW H2 is a series of new, plasticizer-free TPE compounds for sanitary and drinking water tubes and hoses, which comply with the tightened DTW-BWGL standard (mandatory from March 2025) for organic materials in contact with drinking water.

The new TPE compounds are available in five hardness degrees, from 70 Shore A to 40 Shore D. They are suitable for low-cost processing on existing extruder lines for polyolefins, provide good adhesion to PP and ensure smooth surfaces with high resistance to the growth of microorganisms in accordance with DVGW W270.

It is suitable for applications including shower tubes, pressure hoses and food hoses, as well as supply tubing in dishwashers and washing machines.

TPEs for hot water application

The new hot water TPEs are compliant with the KTW-BWGL standard, which are used in the environment of frequently changing water temperatures, such as seals and showerheads.

As first non-cross-linking TPEs in this market segment, they also facilitate processing by their increased flowability and easy ejection. They also feature outstanding adhesion to PP and PE, as well as improved compression set at high temperatures.

Sustainable TPEs with renewable and recycled materials

KRAIBURG TPE’s second and third generation bio-based TPEs contain renewable raw materials of up to 71%. These compounds extend the company’s existing portfolio of sustainable materials and offers more solutions for companies to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

The company’s other sustainable TPEs are with recycled materials of up to 80% from post-industrial and post-consumer waste streams. These recycled-content TPEs can be used universally and excel with high adhesive strength in multicomponent compounds with plastics such as PA, PC/ABS or PP.