Thermoplastic elastomer as damping material for protectors

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the components: A1) double bond-containing styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, and / or A2) styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer, and B) a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. The invention also relates to a method for producing a thermoplastic elastomer using the thermoplastic elastomer composition, as well as to the thermoplastic elastomer obtained thereby.

Description

[0001] 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co . KG

[0002] Thermoplastic elastomer as a damping material for protectors

[0003] The present invention relates to a thermoplastic elastomer composition and a resulting thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) exhibiting excellent elastic and damping properties over a wide temperature range. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the thermoplastic elastomer and its use as a damping material for protectors, in particular sports protectors.

[0004] Up to now, protectors have mainly been made of PU foams, which are very light but have poor damping properties at 40 °C and become stiff at -10 °C.

[0005] Protectors made of elastomeric thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) also have significant weaknesses; for one thing, they are very heavy, and for another, they are very stiff at low temperatures, not least due to their high inherent hardness.

[0006] Recently, it has become apparent that thermoplastic elastomers can also have damping properties and can therefore be used as protectors in protective clothing and equipment, especially in the sports sector.

[0007] It is well known that styrene block copolymers can exhibit good damping properties. However, no product has yet been established on the market that combines all the requirements for protectors in a single material across a wide temperature range. 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0008] Flexible even at low temperatures;

[0009] very good damping behavior in an application range of -10 to +40 °C .

[0010] Patent application WO 2021 / 236914 Al describes a vibration-damping TPE material containing at least one non-hydrogenated styrene-isoprene block copolymer (SIS) and either at least one hydrogenated SIS or a styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), as well as at least one tackifier. This TPE material is also suitable for higher temperatures, but offers no significant damping properties at low temperatures.

[0011] Currently, thermoplastic elastomers often contain added thermoplastics alongside the elastomeric component to adjust the hardness. However, the presence of the thermoplastic renders these polymers insufficiently flexible at low temperatures down to -10 °C.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a thermoplastic elastomer which has good elastic and damping properties in a temperature range of -10 °C to +40 °C, in order to be used as comfortable-to-wear protectors, in particular sports protectors.

[0013] The problem according to the invention is solved by a thermoplastic elastomer composition or a resulting thermoplastic elastomer comprising the following components: 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0014] Al ) a double-bonded styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) , and / or

[0015] A2 ) a styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEEPS) , as well as

[0016] B) a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) .

[0017] By combining the two components Al ) and / or A2 ) and B), a material can be provided that is flexible at low temperatures down to -10 °C and also has good damping properties at high temperatures up to +40 °C.

[0018] The styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) of component B) preferably has a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 Shore D to 90 Shore D. In this way, the hardness of the thermoplastic elastomer can be adjusted accordingly. Thus, no thermoplastic needs to be used for hardness adjustment in the composition or thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention. The hardness can therefore be adjusted accordingly by increasing the addition of component B) to the thermoplastic composition according to the invention.

[0019] The thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention can be processed as a simple mixture of its components to form a thermoplastic elastomer, for example in an extruder. No complex intermediate steps or isolation of intermediate products are necessary for this.

[0020] According to the present application, a thermoplastic elastomer is understood to be a polymer composition which, at its service temperature, exhibits properties which 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0021] similar to vulcanized rubber, but which can be processed and prepared at elevated temperatures like a thermoplastic material.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention, it is preferred that only component Al) , i.e., the double-bond-containing styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) , is used. However, any mixture of both polymers of components Al) and A2) as well as only the styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene block copolymer (SEEPS) of component A2) can also be used. The SIS in component Al) primarily ensures good damping properties at temperatures above or equal to 0 °C. As a rule, the presence of SIS as component Al) is therefore sufficient for good performance over the entire temperature range. However, if better damping properties and flexibility at temperatures below 0 °C are desired, a mixture of SIS and SEEPS is recommended.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention, it is preferred that the total amount of the sum of components Al ) and A2 ) is in a range of 17 wt. -% to 80 wt. -%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention, it is preferred that the weight ratio of the sum of components Al) and A2) to component B) is in the range of 100 : 160 to 100 : 10. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0025] In a further embodiment of the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention, it is preferred that the thermoplastic elastomer composition additionally comprises a styrene block copolymer as component C), which is different from components Al), A2), and B). This styrene block copolymer preferably has a relatively low styrene content in the range of 5 wt.% to 18 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 10 wt.% to 15 wt.%, based on the total weight of the polymer. The presence of such a styrene block copolymer improves the processability of the thermoplastic elastomer composition and creates a pleasant feel in the resulting thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the thermoplastic composition or thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention may contain a filler. The presence of such a filler simplifies processing and results in a dry and very pleasant feel.

[0027] Furthermore, the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention can additionally contain a plasticizer. A plasticizer ensures improved processability during the production of the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention. Suitable plasticizers that can be used according to the invention are also described below.

[0028] Furthermore, the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention can also include further additives, such as a stabilizer, an auxiliary substance, a dye and / or a 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0029] It contains compatibility agents. These are described in more detail below.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the present invention also relates to a thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention and to a thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention, which consists of the following components Al ) and / or A2 ) and B) as well as the optional components C) , D) , E) and F) .

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a thermoplastic elastomer. In this process, the components of the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention are mixed together at a temperature in the range of 150°C to 240°C, preferably in the range of 180°C to 220°C. The method according to the invention is described in more detail below.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a thermoplastic elastomer that is obtainable or obtained according to the inventive method. All mentioned (preferred) features of the elastomer composition according to the invention shall also apply to the thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention.

[0033] The present invention also relates to the use of a thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention as a damping material for protectors / sports protectors and protectors in the military sector, for electronic components, electrical components (e.g., vibration damping of drills), for sound insulation, in vehicle technology and the transport sector, in the construction sector, in household appliance technology (e.g., for 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG).

[0034] Vibration damping of washing machines and tumble dryers), for industrial machines, for firearms, for devices in healthcare and medicine, in military transport and for military equipment.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a damping material, in particular a protector, made of a thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention or obtainable from a thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention.

[0036] The aforementioned components used in the thermoplastic elastomer compositions or thermoplastic elastomers according to the invention, as well as in the uses and processes according to the invention, are described in more detail below:

[0037] Al) double bond-containing styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS)

[0038] A2 ) Styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEEPS)

[0039] B) Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS)

[0040] C) further styrene block copolymer

[0041] D) Filler

[0042] E) Plasticizers

[0043] F) Additive

[0044] Components Al ) and A2 ) :

[0045] The total amount of the sum of components Al) and A2) in the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention, or in the thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention, preferably lies in a range of 17 wt.% to 80 wt.%, 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0046] more preferably in a range of 20 wt.% to 60 wt.% and most preferably in a range of 30 wt.% to 55 wt.%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition or the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0047] Component Al ): double bond-containing styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS)

[0048] According to the invention, a “double-bonded styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer” is a multi-block copolymer of structure ABA, wherein the A-block is typically polystyrene and the B-block is typically composed of isoprene units. Alternatively, in the A-block, the styrene monomers can be partially or completely replaced by derivatives of styrene, such as α-methylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, or vinylnaphthalenes such as 1-vinylnaphthalene and 2-vinylnaphthalene.

[0049] According to the invention, double-bond-containing styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers (SIS) preferably have a weight-averaged molecular weight (Mw) of 50,000 to 500,000 g / mol, particularly preferably of 100,000 to 200,000 g / mol. Furthermore, the styrene content is preferably in the range of 15 wt.% to 25 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 18 wt.% to 22 wt.%, based on the total weight of the polymer. The glass transition temperature is preferably in the range of -18 °C to 15 °C, more preferably in the range of -5 °C to 10 °C. The Shore A hardness is preferably in the range of 55 Shore A to 95 Shore A, more preferably in the range of 75 Shore A to 90 Shore A. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0050] Styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers (SIS) containing double bonds can be those of the Hybrar™ type from Kuraray, specifically the 5000 series. Hybrar™ 5127 is particularly preferred according to the invention.

[0051] Component A2 ): Styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer

[0052] According to the invention, a “styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer” is understood to be a multi-block copolymer of structure ABA, wherein the A-block is typically polystyrene and the B-block is typically composed of ethylene and ethylene / propylene units. Furthermore, it preferably has no double bonds. Alternatively, in the A-block, the styrene monomers can be partially or completely replaced by derivatives of styrene, such as α-methylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, or vinylnaphthalenes such as 1-vinylnaphthalene and 2-vinylnaphthalene.

[0053] Styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymers (SEEPS) according to the invention preferably have a weight-averaged molecular weight (Mw) of 110,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol, particularly preferably of 120,000 g / mol to 250,000 g / mol. Furthermore, the styrene content is preferably in the range of 9 wt.% to 15 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 11 wt.% to 13 wt.%, based on the total weight of the polymer. The glass transition temperature is preferably in the range of -45 °C to -20 °C, more preferably in the range of -40 °C to -25 °C. The Shore A hardness is preferably in the range of 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0054] from 32 Shore A to 50 Shore A, with a stronger preference in the range of 38 Shore A to 44 Shore A.

[0055] Styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymers (SEEPS) of the type Hybrar™ from Kuraray, of the so-called 7000 series, can be used. Hybrar™ 7311F is particularly preferred according to the invention.

[0056] Component B): Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS)

[0057] According to the invention, a "styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer" is a multi-block copolymer of the structure ABA, wherein the A-block is typically polystyrene and the B-block is typically composed of polymerized butadiene units. Alternatively, in the A-block, the styrene monomers can be partially or completely replaced by styrene derivatives, such as α-methylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, or vinylnaphthalenes such as 1-vinylnaphthalene and 2-vinylnaphthalene. It is also possible for the B-block to be composed of styrene units in addition to butadiene units.

[0058] The melting volume rate (200 °C / 5 kg) of the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) is preferably in the range of 7 cm³. 3 / 10 min to 15 cm 3 / 10 min and even more strongly preferred in the area of ​​9 cm 3 / 10 min to 13 cm 3 / 10 min. The modulus of elasticity is preferably in the range of 1000 MPa to 1800 MPa and more preferably in the range of 1200 MPa to 1600 MPa. The Shore D hardness is preferably in the range of 40 Shore D to 90 Shore D, more preferably in the range of 50 Shore D. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0059] up to 75 Shore D and even more strongly preferred in the range of 58 Shore D to 68 Shore D.

[0060] The A-blocks of the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) are preferably composed of styrene units, and the B-block is preferably composed of 40% to 100% butadiene units and 0% to 60% by weight of styrene units. Particularly preferably, the A-blocks of the styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SBS) are composed of styrene units, and the B-block is composed of 40% to 80% by weight of butadiene units and 20% to 60% by weight of styrene units.

[0061] The butadiene unit content in the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) is preferably in the range of 15 wt.% to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 20 wt.% to 30 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS).

[0062] The content of styrene units in the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) is preferably in the range of 65 wt.% to 85 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 70 wt.% to 80 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS).

[0063] In the thermoplastic elastomer composition or thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention, the weight ratio of the sum of components Al) and A2) to component B) is preferably in the range of 100 : 160 to 100 : 10, more preferably in the range of 100 : 120 to 100 : 25 and most preferably in the range of 100 : 100 to 100 : 35. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0064] Styrolux 684D from Ineos Styrolution, for example, can be used as a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.

[0065] Component C): Further styrene block copolymer

[0066] The thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention can contain, in addition to the components Al ) , A2 ) and B), a further styrene block copolymer which is different from the components Al ) , A2 ) and B).

[0067] According to the invention, the term "styrene block copolymer" (SBC) refers to a multi-block copolymer, wherein at least one of the blocks is polystyrene. At least one of the other blocks comprises polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polyisobutene. The SBC can be a tri-block copolymer of the ABA structure, wherein the A-block is typically polystyrene and the B-block is typically composed of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polyisobutene (SBS, SIS, SiBS). Alternatively, in the A-block, the styrene monomers can be partially or completely replaced by derivatives of styrene, such as α-methylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, or vinylnaphthalene such as 1-vinylnaphthalene and 2-vinylnaphthalene. The B-block can also alternatively contain mixtures of dienes. Furthermore, SBCs consisting of styrene and diene monomers can also be used as hydrogenated derivatives.The B-block units are partially or fully hydrogenated. Styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymers (SEBS), styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymers (SEPS), and styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymers (SEEPS) are preferred. In addition to triblocks, diblock, tetrablock, or multiblock copolymers can also be used. 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG.

[0068] The aforementioned monomers of styrene, styrene derivatives (A-blocks) and butadiene, isoprene, isobutylene and mixtures thereof (B-blocks) are used in different sequences of A- and B-blocks (for example, BAB, ABAB, etc.). Preferred SBCs are composed of triblock copolymers ABA. According to the invention, the SBC is particularly preferably a SEBS or a SEBS.

[0069] In principle, any styrene block copolymer that differs from components Al), A2), and B) can be used as the additional styrene block copolymer. However, for improved processability of the thermoplastic elastomer composition, it has proven advantageous to use a styrene block copolymer whose Shore A hardness is preferably in the range of 25 Shore A to 45 Shore A, and more preferably in the range of 30 Shore A to 40 Shore A. Furthermore, the additional styrene block copolymer preferably has a relatively low styrene content in the range of 5 wt.% to 18 wt.%, and more preferably in the range of 10 wt.% to 15 wt.%, based on the total weight of the polymer. The melt flow index (230 °C / 2160 g) is preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min to 6 g / 10 min and more preferably in the range of 1.5 g / 10 min to 5 g / 10 min.

[0070] In the thermoplastic elastomer composition or thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention, the weight ratio of the sum of components Al) and A2) to component C) is in the range of 100:0 to 100:70, more preferably in the range of 100:10 to 100:65, even more preferably in the range of 100:20 to 100:60, and most preferably in the range of 100:30 to 100:55, provided it is included in the composition. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0071] Other styrene block copolymers that can be used include, for example, polymers from the Kraton™ G series by Kraton (e.g., Kraton™ Gl 645 V) or corresponding polymers from the Septon™ 2000, 4000 and 8000 series by Kuraray (e.g., Septon™ 4055 or 4077).

[0072] Component D): Filler

[0073] Preferably, inorganic fillers are used as fillers, which simplify the processing of the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention.

[0074] Examples include, for example, carbon black, chalk (calcium carbonate), kaolin, silica, talc (magnesium silicate), aluminum oxide hydrate, aluminum silicate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, barium sulfate, zinc carbonate, calcined kaolin (e.g., Polestar® 200 P), calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, silanized kaolins, silanized silica, coated chalk, treated kaolins, pyrogenic silica, hydrophobized pyrogenic silica (e.g., Aerosil® 972), synthetic amorphous precipitated silica (silica), industrial carbon black, graphite, nanoscale fillers such as carbon nanofibrils, platelet-shaped nanoparticles, or nanoscale silicon dioxide hydrates and minerals. A calcium carbonate, preferably from Omya GmbH (Omyacarb 5AV), is particularly preferred as a filler. .28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0075] Component E): Plasticizer

[0076] Suitable plasticizers are generally known to those skilled in the art. Suitable plasticizers for nonpolar elastomers (e.g., SBCs) include technical or medical mineral or white oils, virgin oils such as soybean or rapeseed oil, and alkylsulfonyl esters, particularly alkylsulfonylphenyl esters, wherein the alkyl substituents contain linear and / or branched alkyl chains with > 5 carbon atoms. Also suitable are di- or tri-alkyl esters of mel-litic acid, wherein the alkyl substituents preferably contain linear and / or branched alkyl chains with > 4 carbon atoms. Furthermore, alkyl esters of di-, tri-, and higher polycarboxylic acids, wherein the alkyl substituents are preferably linear and / or branched alkyl chains, are also used as corresponding plasticizers. Examples include adipic acid di-2-ethylhexyl ester and tributyl-O-acetyl citrate.Furthermore, carboxylic acid esters of mono- and / or polyalkylene glycols, such as ethylene glycol adipate, can also be used as plasticizers. According to the invention, technical or medical mineral or white oils are preferably used. Shell Catenex T 145 S from Shell GmbH is one example of a technical mineral oil.

[0077] Suitable plasticizers can also be mixtures of the described substance classes.

[0078] In the thermoplastic elastomer composition or thermoplastic elastomer according to the invention, the weight ratio of the sum of the components Al) and A2) to the plasticizer is preferably in the range of 100:10 to 100:60, more preferably in the range of 100:20 to 100:50, and most preferably in the range of 100:25 to 100:40. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0079] Component F): Additives such as stabilizers, auxiliary substances and colorants

[0080] Suitable additives include, for example, but not exclusively, processing aids, metal soaps, fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives, paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes, lubricants, demolding agents, flame retardants, fume suppressants, adhesion promoters, marking agents, minerals, crystallization accelerators and retarders, anti-fogging agents, antistatic agents, as well as biocides and fungicides.

[0081] Examples of process aids and stabilizers that can be used include: aging or ozone protection agents such as ozone protection waxes, stabilizers such as heat stabilizers, weathering stabilizers; oxidation protection agents, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, other light protection agents, antifoaming agents, lubricants, dispersants, release agents, anti-blocking agents, radical scavengers, metal deactivators, and also additives such as foaming aids, blowing agents, impact modifiers, adhesion promoters and viscosity modifiers.

[0082] Furthermore, additives such as color masterbatches, pigments, dyes, e.g. titanium dioxide, lithophone, zinc oxide, iron oxide, ultramarine blue, chromium oxide, antimony sulfite can be used.

[0083] Production of the compositions according to the invention:

[0084] The thermoplastic elastomer compositions according to the present invention can be obtained by mixing the components. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0085] Al), A2), B), C), D), E), and F) – insofar as they are present in the compositions – can be produced. The mixture can be produced using mixing systems known in rubber and plastics technology, such as kneaders, internal mixers (e.g., internal mixers with intermeshing or tangential rotor geometry), as well as in continuously mixing systems such as mixing extruders (e.g., mixing extruders with 2 to 4 or more screw drives, e.g., twin-screw extruders).

[0086] When carrying out the manufacturing process according to the invention, it is important to ensure that the mixing temperature is high enough to allow the components with the highest hardness to be brought into the plastic state without being damaged in the process. This is ensured if a temperature above the highest melting or softening temperature of the hardest component is selected. At the same time, adequate energy input must be ensured, which is determined by the rotational speed and throughput in the extruder.

[0087] Mixing the components - insofar as they are present in the compositions - is particularly preferred at a temperature in the range of 150°C to 240°C and preferably 180°C to 220°C.

[0088] The terms “comprise”, “contain”, and “have” used in the present application are also intended to include the term “consist of” in every instance where they are used, so that these forms of execution are also disclosed in this application. 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0089] Examples:

[0090] Methods of determination and definitions:

[0091] The Shore A and Shore D hardness are determined according to DIN ISO 48-4.

[0092] The weight-averaged molecular weight is determined by conventional gel permeation chromatography.

[0093] The glass transition temperature is determined using DSC.

[0094] The determination of the melt flow index and the melt volume rate is carried out according to ISO 1133.

[0095] The modulus of elasticity is a measure of the stiffness of a material and is measured according to ISO 527.

[0096] Tensile strength is the maximum mechanical tensile stress a material can withstand before it breaks or tears. It is calculated in a tensile test from the maximum tensile force achieved, based on the original cross-section of the (standardized) specimen, and is expressed in MPa. Tensile strength is measured according to DIN 53504 / ISO 37.

[0097] Elongation at break is a material property that indicates the permanent elongation at fracture relative to the initial gauge length. In materials testing, elongation at break is one of many parameters and characterizes a material's deformability. It is the elongation at break relative to the initial gauge length L. o Permanent length change of a sample in a tensile test AL28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0098] After fracture, this change in length is given as a percentage. The elongation at break is measured according to DIN 53504 / ISO 37.

[0099] The loss factor tan 5 describes a material's ability to dampen vibrations and shock loads and is calculated as the quotient of the loss modulus E" and the elastic modulus E'. The loss modulus E" and the elastic modulus E' are measured using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). This analysis was performed on a Netzsch DMA 242 instrument in accordance with DIN 53513 (March 1990) and DIN 53545 (December 2016). A round specimen with a height of 6.0 mm was measured under a compressive force of 6.0 N and a deformation amplitude of 30 pm at a frequency of 50 Hz. Measurements were carried out in a temperature range of -40°C to +60°C at a heating rate of 2 K / min.

[0100] Extruder and injection molding parameters:

[0101] The thermoplastic elastomers of the present invention are produced in a continuous process on a twin-screw extruder (48 L / D). The extruder speed is 600 rpm, and the throughput is 600 kg / h. The set temperature profile runs from 170°C to 180°C to 170°C (across all cylinder zones). The extrudate is granulated for subsequent injection molding or extrusion processing.

[0102] Examples of implementation:

[0103] Table 1 lists the abbreviations used for the components employed in the examples and comparison examples: 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0104] Table 1:

[0105]

[0106] Examples and comparative examples:

[0107] Production of thermoplastic elastomer compounds and elastomers (according to the invention and not according to the invention):

[0108] Thermoplastic elastomers are produced according to the manufacturing process described above, using the components listed in Tables 3 and 4. Table 2 specifies the manufacturer and type of the components used. Tables 5 and 6 list the measured parameters. 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0109] Table 2:

[0110]

[0111] 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026

[0112] Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0113] Table 3:

[0114]

[0115] 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026

[0116] Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0117] Table 4:

[0118]

[0119] 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026

[0120] Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0121] Table 5 .

[0122]

[0123] 28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026

[0124] Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

[0125] Table 6.

[0126] <

[0127]

[0128] 28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co . KG

[0129] The comparison between comparative example 6 and the inventive example 2 shows that the use of component B) instead of a polyolefin such as polypropylene (component G) ) leads to an improvement in the damping properties and results in higher values ​​for the loss factor Tan 5 .

[0130] The thermoplastic elastomer composition from Example 3 already exhibits significant damping behavior at the starting point of the measurements. Half the maximum of the first loss factor, Tan 5, lies outside the measured range. As expected, Example 3 also shows two different maxima of the Tan 5 values, which arise from the two components Al and A2 and result in the thermoplastic elastomer composition according to the invention exhibiting good damping properties over a wide temperature range. Between the two maxima, the value for the loss factor is consistently at least 0.25, and thus above half the Tan 5 of both maxima, which is why only a large range can be specified in Table 6.

[0131] Examples 3 and 4 of the invention demonstrate that the use of component A2 leads to an improvement in the damping properties at low temperatures. With a higher proportion of component A2, the maxima of the loss factor Tan 5 shift into the low-temperature range.

Claims

28309-PT-WO January 19, 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co . KG Patent claims 1. Thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising the following components: Al ) a double-bond-containing styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer SIS) , and / or A2 ) a styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEEPS) , as well as B) a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) .

2. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to claim 1, wherein the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) of component B) has a melt volume rate, measured according to ISO 1133 (200 °C / 5 kg), in the range of 7 cm 3 / 10 min. up to 15 cm 3 / 10 min. has .

3. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) of component B) has a modulus of elasticity, measured according to ISO 527, in the range of 1000 MPa to 1800 MPa .

4. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) of component B) has a Shore D hardness in the range of 40 Shore D to 90 Shore D .

5. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the butadiene block of the styrene-28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG Butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS) are made up of component B) in addition to butadiene units, also consisting of styrene units.

6. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the butadiene block of the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) from component B) is composed of 40 to 80 wt.% butadiene units and 20 to 60 wt.% styrene units.

7. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the content of styrene units in the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) from component B) is in the range of 65 to 85 wt.% .

8. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the total amount of the sum of the components Al ) and A2 ) is in a range of 17 wt. -% to 80 wt. -%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition .

9. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weight ratio of the sum of components Al ) and A2 ) to component B) is in the range of 100 : 160 to 100 : 10 .

10. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising as component C) a styrene block copolymer different from components Al ), A2 ) and B). .28309-PT-WO 19 January 2026 Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co . KG 11. Thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which additionally contains a filler.

12. Method for producing a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the components of a thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 are mixed together at a temperature in the range of 150°C to 240°C.

13. Thermoplastic elastomer obtainable by a method according to claim 12.

14. Use of a thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or of a thermoplastic elastomer according to claim 13 as a damping material for protectors / sports protectors and protectors in the military sector, for electronic components, electrical components, for sound insulation, in vehicle technology and in the transport sector, in the construction sector, in household appliance technology, for industrial machines, for firearms, for devices in healthcare and medicine, in military transport and for military equipment.

15. Damping material, in particular protector, made of a thermoplastic elastomer according to claim 13 or obtainable from a thermoplastic elastomer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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