Rubber Journal Asia

Car roof sealed with TPVs

S

The seals run the length of the vehicle roof on either side and contribute to the stylish, streamlined look of the M6 model. Each is a co-extrusion onto a sheet metal strip of two Sarlink compounds, 5790B4 and 5765B4, with Shore A hardnesses of 87 and 65, respectively. The seals are snapped into place during vehicle assembly.

The seals weigh 25% less, saving a total of 0.15 kg per vehicle, according to Teknor Apex. EPDM has also been replaced to eliminate the labour and energy-intensive vulcanisation step required in the processing of thermoset rubber, says the company, adding that another important advantage is the recyclability of both process scrap and finished components.

Sarlink TPVs are based on proprietary technology that yields compounds with rubber-like properties while enabling them to be processed at rates like any other thermoplastic. The company says the performance profile of Sarlink TPVs offers advantages over standard TPVs and other widely used thermoplastic elastomer compounds, including high flexural fatigue resistance, low compression set, heat resistance, high impact strength and resistance to chemicals, ozone, and UV.