Multibase, A Dow Corning Company, Announces Agreement with DuPont Dow Elastomers

Saint Laurent Du Pont (Jun 23rd, 2003)

Multibase, a Dow Corning Company today announced they have signed an agreement in principle to work together with DuPont Dow Elastomers to bring new thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds based on Engage® polyolefin elastomers to the airbag cover and automotive sheeting markets. Customers in these markets will benefit from the agreement by having access to a new and expanded range of TPE compounds using these versatile polyolefins. DuPont Dow will have access to a broader range of markets and applications for its polymer, thanks to Multibase's compounding and processing expertise and strong reputation. Multibase broadens its olefin elastomer compound portfolio by using DuPont Dow's patented product and processing technology, and gains a strong market-development partner.

Under the agreement in principle, Multibase will be licensed to develop, manufacture and market these new soft TPE compounds and alloys based on Engage®. These products are part of the Multiflex product line from Multibase as a new series called Multi-Flex® TEO with properties tailored to perform in these demanding technical applications. This cooperation is expected to accelerate development and growth of olefinic TPEs in car interiors and responds to customer demands for higher performance olefinic TPE compounds.

In late 2001, DuPont Dow globally introduced a next-generation compounding technology based on Engage® that enables higher service temperature performance, improved melt strength, and a better balance of processability and end-use performance for polyolefin compounds. The patented Rheology Modification (“RM”) technology will provide the basis for the new product line, according to the companies.

TPE compounds based on metallocene-catalysed Engage® are highly elastomeric and can be used as an alternative to materials such as EPDM, SBS, SEBS, TPV, TPU, f-PVC, and EVA. These TPE compounds feature improved processability and low-temperature toughness, as well as provide easy colorability and UV stability. In extrusion applications, the materials offer unique rheology for improved processability, gauge / shape control, and sag resistance. They can be easily processed on conventional thermoplastic processing equipment, are recyclable (melt-reprocessable), offer excellent haptics (feel), provide excellent grain retention, and are low gloss even after thermoforming in sheeting applications. In injection molding applications, the materials offer high melt-flow characteristics not found in conventional TPO technologies for thin-walled and hard to fill parts, while providing excellent elastomeric performance. They are currently used in various applications for the automotive, wire & cable, footwear, sporting goods, small appliance / tools, toy, health & beauty aids, and industrial market segments.

"Multibase is a highly-regarded compounder and we are honoured that they have chosen Engage® polyolefin elastomer and our RM technology to build a new range of products," said Jean-Marc Imbert, European Marketing Manager for Engage®. "As a polymer supplier, we see the value in working closely with Multibase, who is committed to using RM technology to differentiate its products and extend their offering of flexible compounds. "

European Automotive Technology Manager of Multibase, Daniel Milesi said "The value of DuPont Dow’s RM technology is that it enables us to make softer products with excellent performance throughout the service temperature spectrum, and also lets us decouple elongational viscosity from shear viscosity to give optimal performance in all processing operations.”

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