What is a TPE?
Thermoplastic Elastomers are generally low modulus, flexible materials that can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice their original length at room temperature with an ability to return to their approximate original length when stress is released. The grandfather materials with this property are thermoset rubbers, but many families of injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are replacing traditional rubbers. In addition to use in their basic form, TPEs are widely used to modify the properties of rigid thermoplastics, usually improving impact strength. This is quite common for sheet goods and general molding compounds.
What kind of stretch properties can I expect from my TPE?
Tensile Properties
Tensile properties are measurements used to describe how an elastomer performs when stretched. Several tests are commonly used to give an indication of how a TPE will perform in end-use environments.
Tensile at Break
This measurement is also called Ultimate Tensile. In this test, a piece of elastomer is stretched until it breaks. The amount of force needed to break the material is measured. Units are typically given in pounds per square inch (psi) or megaPascals (MPa). Elastomers with high ultimate tensile properties will be more difficult to break by stretching than an elastomer with lower values on this test. Read more FAQ's on Thermoplastic Elastomers here.
WithStand™ is a new additive technology in the form of a concentrate or compound which imparts antimicrobial characteristics to Class I, II, and III medical devices, medical packaging, and other healthcare and wellness related applications. WithStand™ helps customers enhance the in-service performance and value of the products and devices they supply to the healthcare industry.
Why WithStand™ Antimicrobial Technology?
WithStand™ Antimicrobial Technology is the latest example of PolyOne’s commitment to its healthcare solutions portfolio targeted at specific performance and regulatory challenges faced by the healthcare industry. WithStand™ Antimicrobial Technology helps converters and OEMs more effectively run their businesses and help their customers.
Read more FAQ's on WithStand™ here.
Why is Vinyl a Responsible Choice for Healthcare?
For over 50 years, vinyl has been a responsible choice for medical applications. From blood bags and catheters to hospital flooring and wall coverings, vinyl has proven itself as a safe, durable material.
Vinyl is safe and approved by government and third party agencies for a wide variety of medical and other uses. Many Geon™ products meet the various safety requirements as established by the FDA, USP, UL, NSF, the European Commission, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition, many Geon™ HC products are formulated with non-phthalate plasticizers.
- Vinyl consumes less energy - Vinyl resin production consumes 20% less energy than the production of many other polymers.
- Vinyl consumes less fossil fuels - While most polymers come 100% from fossil fuels, vinyl has a smaller carbon footprint because it is more than half chlorine-derived from common salt. Worldwide production of vinyl accounts for only 0.3% of all oil and gas consumed globally.
- Vinyl meets or exceeds regulatory guidelines - Government agencies and certifying bodies have extensively studied the use of products made from vinyl and have approved its use in many products for over half a century.
- Vinyl is safe for children - PolyOne has a full line of Geon Vinyl compounds that meet the requirements of The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which governs the use of lead and certain phthalates in articles intended for use by children aged 12 and under.
- Vinyl can be safely recycled, landfilled, or incinerated
- Studies show vinyl is safe and environmentally acceptable - Recent studies by the European Commission and the U.S. Green Building Council have shown that vinyl products are as safe and environmentally acceptable throughout their lifecycle (from extraction of materials to recycling/ disposal) as other commonly used materials. These studies concluded vinyl has a relatively low impact on the environment compared to alternative materials and offers a number of benefits to those materials.
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