Co-extrudable TPE Compound for Soft Touch Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a "soft touch" gripping surface on blow-molded thermoplastic articles that can be achieved through co-extrusion with a blow moldable polyolefin, as existing methods do not effectively provide this tactile enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A co-extrudable thermoplastic elastomer compound comprising a non-elastomeric polyolefin, a first non-crosslinked elastomer, and a second non-crosslinked elastomer, optionally with a softening oil, is formulated to create a "soft touch" gripping surface on blow-molded articles by co-extruding with a polyolefin and then subjecting it to blow molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thermoplastic elastomer is used to provide a soft touch gripping surface on blow-molded articles, then the tactile feel and grip properties are improved, but the ability to co-extrude with polyolefin and undergo blow molding is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite thermoplastic elastomer compound combining a polyolefin base polymer with elastomeric polymer segments. This composite structure allows the material to maintain polyolefin processability (co-extrusion and blow molding) while incorporating elastomeric properties (soft touch grip). The specific composition includes a polyolefin with molecular weight 10,000-1,000,000 and elastomeric polymer content of 5-50 parts per hundred resin, creating a material that exhibits both thermoplastic and elastomeric characteristics suitable for the desired application.
2Ease of operation
If existing TPE formulations are used, then soft touch properties are achieved, but compatibility with blow moldable polyolefin co-extrusion is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the TPE formulation to achieve compatibility with polyolefin. Specifically, it adjusts the molecular weight of the polyolefin base (10,000-1,000,000), controls the elastomeric polymer content (5-50 phr), and selects elastomers with appropriate glass transition temperatures and molecular weights. These parameter changes ensure proper bonding to polyolefin substrates during co-extrusion while maintaining the desired soft touch surface properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which is a combination of a non-elastomeric polyolefin and two different non-crosslinked elastomers and optional softening oil. The TPE can be used as an outer layer on at least a portion of the outer surface of a co-extruded, blow-molded polyolefin plastic article to provide a “soft touch” gripping surface on the article.