Teknor Apex develops new Sarlink TPVs with up to 40% PIR content

Teknor Apex has developed new Sarlink thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) with up to 40% recycled content which processes and performs similarly to their virgin counterparts but additionally offers sustainability benefits. The new TPVs will be presented at the upcoming Fakuma trade fair.

As a recyclable and light-weight alternative to EPDM rubber, Sarlink TPVs are suitable for automotive applications requiring superior elasticity and long-term performance. The new series, Sarlink RX 3100B, can facilitate automotive brands to achieve sustainability goals.

The new Sarlink TPVs performs similarly as their predecessors with additional sustainability benefits.

The two grades, 84 Shore A and 94 Shore A, are based on the existing Sarlink 3100 Series technology, with 25% and 40% recycled content respectively, depending on the hardness. Using recycled content reduces dependency on virgin petroleum-based plastic, which can be the material of choice for OEMs that look for sustainable material content in vehicles.

These multi-purpose TPVs are suitable for injection molding, extrusion, over-molding and co-extrusion with polypropylene (PP) or other thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). For these high-durometer grades, applications include the backbone or carrier for extruded seals, like in glass run channels, or boots, bellows and other under hood components.

Sarlink RX 3100 TPVs are pre-colored black and can still be recycled in process or at the end of the product’s life cycle.

The table shows properties of the two grades of new Sarlink TPVs.

Using post-industrial recycled (PIR) content instead of post-consumer recycled (PCR) one provides a more controlled and consistent raw material stream that can be used in extrusion-grade TPVs without issue.

Teknor Apex ongoing projects also include new sustainable raw materials streams, such as recycled and bio-based content, as well as carbon negative additives. New TPEs with up to 65% PCR content will also be introduced later this year. Recycled polyamide (PA) solutions in Recyclon portfolio will also be expanded.