New TPEs offer greater clarity

2 March 2006

Teknor Apex has introduced a new series of Monprene® thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The company says that they offer a combination of ultra-softness and optical clarity, enabling designers of foot care, personal care, medical, and orthopaedic products to add new functionality and consumer appeal.

The new TPEs provide greater clarity than other products in the Monprene Ultra Soft Gel products or gels from competing suppliers, says the company. Teknor Apex can formulate them in hardnesses from 30 to 60 on the Shore 00 scale, values comparable to those of other Ultra Soft Gel products and well below those of conventional, non-gel TPEs, which are measured on the Shore A scale.

According to the company, these altogether haze-free Monprene gels impart a clear, sparkling appearance to grips, cushions, and other padding or 'soft-touch' products while providing a degree of comfort that is unattainable with non-gel TPEs...