Back to the K98 Index page K98 PREVIEW

SEMI-FINISHED MATERIALS

Film that just washes away: Hydrolene is a water-soluble film based on polyvinyl alcohol which is inert in contact with traditional solvents. It is impermeable to gases, vapours and odours with a barrier effect better than that of EVA. Its manufacturer, Idroplast of Italy [Stand 61 A44] says that its level of biodegradability is similar to that of cellulose and dependant on water temperature. The material can be thermoformed and can be printed using silk screen, offset and lithography without pre-treatment.
     A related product, Hydrofilm, can be used to make single-dose packages for water-soluble materials ranging from agricultural chemicals to personal care products and pharmaceuticals. It is also used to make laundry bags which protect the operator from the soiled clothes and dissolve during washing.

Conductive silicone sponge: BIW Isolierstoffe has developed compounding technology for the production of electrically conductive silicone sponge extrusions. Profiles in difficult shapes and with several chambers can be produced [Stand 3 A23]. Applications include silicone sponge sections as capacitive elements for household appliances such as cookers, conductive sponge hoses as roller covers for copiers, printers and high tech transport rollers, and coextruded silicone contact profiles with conductive layers for sensitive and security contacts.
     Electrically conductive profiles can be applied as computer cabinet seals and shielding for EMI deflection. Silicone rubber is said to have permanent elastic properties from -40 to 200 degC with complete ozone and UV stability.

Films for signs and graphics: Grafitack self-adhesive films for sign making come in more than 200 colours, and are among a range of films for sign making, large format digital printing and overlaminating shown by Grafityp of Belgium [Stand 6 A31].

Glazing sheet safe in fire: Plexiglas GS Stretched acrylic sheet from Röhm [Stand 3 A36] has a key advantages as a glazing material in the event of fire. The stretching imparts a memory which is released under the effect of heat. In a fire the sheets do not generate burning droplets but shrink back and tear open, allowing smoke and fumes to escape from the building.

Wide range of acrylic sheet: Plaskolite produces a wide range of acrylic sheets [Stand 5 E13].
     Duraplex impact-modified sheet offers an economical non-yellowing alternative to polycarbonate for skylights, signage, automotive accessories and displays. Thickness ranges from 1 mm to 25 mm in widths up to 2,641 mm.
     Sign-grade Optix extruded sheet comes in general purpose, medium impact and high impact versions. The material is available in thicknesses from 3 mm to 6 mm and is supplied in flat form or as coils in widths up to 2,500 mm.
     Extruded second-surface mirror sheet is produced in more than 30 colours as well as clear. Thickness ranges from 1·5 mm to 6 mm. See-through and first-surface mirrors are also available.

Sheet up to 50 mm thick: PE and PP sheeting up to 50 mm thick is available from Röchling Haren and Sustaplast [Stand 3 C15] alongside calendered nylon, acetal and PET sheet in widths up to 1,250 mm and thicknesses to 12 mm.

PC improves solar heat gain: The latest additions to the Brett Martin polycarbonate, PVC and foam PVC ranges [Stand 3 C35] include the Marlon ST range of polycarbonate sheet which can improve solar heat gain by up to 50 per cent. Flat sheet polycarbonate is made in thicknesses from 0·8 mm to 12 mm. New thickness and width options increase the opportunities for the Foamalux range of matt and gloss foam PVC.

Shrink film with good welding/printing properties: Tiszai Vegyi Kombinát [Stand 61 E09] has widened its range of multi-layer packaging films, which now includes very thin, very solid, transparent shrink film with good weldability. The surface of the three-layer film has good printability. The company's range also includes barrier films for food packaging and film for sterile packaging.

Single- and multi-wall sheet: The range of sheet materials produced by IPB for building, signage, glazing, machine guarding, display and similar applications includes twin wall PP, single wall PET, multi-wall PMMA and triple wall PC. [Stand 6 A31].

High speed output of different density/colour combinations: Israeli foam producer Palziv [Stand 6 A15] has a new high speed laminator which enables it to produce different density/colour sandwiches of chemically crosslinked PE and EVA foams for multi-coloured sheeting, mats etc. New high expansion high density polyethylene foams have been developed with increased tensile strength and heat resistance of more than 100 degC.

New thin gauges: Rogers Corporation produces its Poron urethane foams in a wide range of thickness and hardness to suit most gasket, seal and cushion requirements [Stand 61 A46].
     Poron 4701-30 is used for making soft protection for electronics devices. For ease of handling, newly available thin gauges of this grade are available as-cast on 2 mil PET carrier film.
     Poron 4701-50 is also available in new thin gauges intended for the production of resilient gaskets and pads.
     Poron 4701-60 is the firmest grade in the range, while the Poron 90 Series is a very soft cushioning foam characterised by a slow rebound. All Poron urethane foams are available in continuous rolls.

NBR foam takes the shock: Interep's MicroShock 414 cellular rubber has been developed specifically for motorcycling body protectors. It passes the European pr-EN 1621-1 specification in thicknesses less than 10 mm, as a sole component.
     The material is light and flexible, and is used to make shock-absorbing protections for shoulders, elbows and forearms, hips, knees and shins. It can be inserted in gloves, boots and helmets.
     The material also has application in other sports such as mountain biking and in-line skating.
     MicroShock 414 consists of a closed cell foam formed in a nitrile rubber (NBR) elastomer. Shrinkage in storage and conversion is minimised by a stabilisation process in which the foam blocks are maintained at 65 degC for several days [Stand 3 A70-2].

Foams resist compression set: Rogers Corporation's Poron silicone foams and sponges are used for gaskets, seals and vibration dampers. The materials are flame retardant, resistant to high temperatures, and exhibit exceptional resistance to compression set, even after long periods of compression [Stand 61 A46].
     Applications include gap fillers and vibration isolators in aircraft and rail carriages.
     The materials can be combined with foils and fabrics to make shielding and insulating products. Poron silicones are also available in solid calendered form for making pads, gaskets and seals.

Composites in which the matrix is the reinforcement: Vantage Polymers is showing its novel self-reinforced Comtex thermoplastics composites [Stand 3 D18]. These are formed by hot compacting thermoplastics fibres to form a homogeneous solid in which some 80 per cent of the original fibre structure remains. The most widely used material is polypropylene but the concept can be applied to all melt-processable fibres and tapes.
     Comtex composites are thermoformable and are characterised by light weight, exceptional impact resistance and a high degree of stiffness. Applications include loudspeaker cones and protective sports goods, with possible automotive uses under active investigation by car manufacturers. In this area, the composites have the potential to replace engineering polymers and glass-reinforced materials.
     Another technology, die drawing, substantially improves the mechanical properties of polymers without using reinforcing fibres, by introducing a very high degree of molecular orientation into the material. Applications on display include gas and water pipes, posts for electric fences, and drum sticks.

Extended laminate range: Elektro-Isola is presenting a revised and extended range of thermoset industrial laminates in the form of tube and sheet stock [Stand 61 E25]. The materials conform to the new DIN/EN 61212 (tubes and rods) and DIN/EN 60893 (sheets) standards. The company also offers a component machining service.

ON-LINE Home