Advancing Performance and Flexibility

Thermoplastic Elastomers, or TPEs, are a premier choice for soft, flexible materials due to their robust properties, cost effectiveness, and design optionality. As a global leader in compounding, Teknor Apex offers one of the broadest portfolios of TPE technologies in the industry, including styrenic block copolymer (SBC) compounds, polyolefin blends (TPE-O or TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPE-Vs or TPVs), polyurethane compounds (TPE-U or TPU), and other specialty blends. 

 

Why Sarlink® TPVs & TPEs

Why Sarlink® TPVs & TPEs

Sarlink® thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are a premier solution for critical applications that require superior elasticity and long-term performance. With faster, more cost-effective processing, Sarlink® TPVs provide a sustainable alternative to thermoset rubber in sealing applications. In addition, the Sarlink® portfolio has recently expanded to include styrenic TPEs, which introduced unique performance characteristics, such as improved flow properties, to achieve more complex designs. Teknor Apex offers multiple chemistries under one brand, which enables us to provide a wide range of solutions for your applications.




Characteristics and Properties

By taking a more focused approach to address each market's needs, Teknor Apex's TPE product lines are aligned with the industries that they serve. Standard grades often meet the applicable regulations and specifications for that industry. As a result, Teknor Apex’s TPE compounds are likely to be pre-qualified for your application, which can accelerate your speed to market with new products. Characteristics and properties found across Sarlink® product lines include:

  • Excellent elastic properties
  • UV and ozone resistant
  • Superior long-term performance
  • Adhesion to polyolefins and other TPEs
  • Greater versatility and customization
  • Excellent weatherability
  • Matte finish with superior surface aesthetics
  • Often suitable for molding, extrusion, and co-extrusion
  • High melt strength and a broad processing window
  • Very broad hardness range (30A to 50D)
  • Remains flexible at low temperatures
  • Chemical and fluid resistant
  • Excellent colorability, custom color matching available
  • Specialty grades bond to PC, ABS, and Nylon

Markets and Applications

Automotive

Automotive

Specified by OEMs globally, Sarlink® has been a recognized brand in the automotive industry for decades, steadily displacing EPDM rubber, due to advancements in processing, design, and weight reduction. Sarlink® TPVs are a premier choice for flexible parts requiring long-term performance. The recent expansion of the Sarlink® portfolio to include styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (TPE-S or SBC) introduced a new level of compounding versatility for the automotive industry, addressing the need for more customized solutions. Typical applications include:

  • Sealing systems
  • Interior
  • Exterior
  • Under the hood
Building & Construction

Building & Construction

From residential homes to commercial buildings and from highways to railways, Sarlink® TPVs can be found in static and dynamic seals, boots, membranes, expansion joints, and other building and construction products that require excellent long-term performance and shape retention. Sarlink® TPVs offer excellent abrasion, UV and ozone resistance, and remain flexible even at extreme temperatures, so seals are often more durable. Common applications include:

  • Drainage
  • Irrigation
  • HVAC
  • Air Distribution
  • Glazing
  • Structural Seals
  • Highways and Railways
Industrial

Industrial

Sarlink® TPVs are a premier choice for industrial products that require long-term performance in harsh environments, like seals, gaskets, and industrial hoses. Sarlink® has excellent resistance to flex fatigue, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Sarlink® TPVs have displaced thermoset rubber in industrial applications, generally offering better long-term aging performance and increased design flexibility. Unlike rubber, Sarlink® can often be co-molded or co-extruded onto a rigid part to make the ultimate seal, eliminating the need for assembly. Typical applications include:

  • Pipe Seals
  • Foamed Drum Seals
  • Diaphragm Seals
  • Gaskets
  • HVAC Components
  • Industrial Hose
  • Hydraulic Hose
  • Vacuum Hose
  • Hose Mandrels
  • Washers
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