PolyOne is featuring new OnFlex™ LO thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) today at K 2016 (Hall 8a, Stand J15K). Designed to improve driver and passenger safety and comfort, this new leading-edge TPE technology reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 50 percent and minimizes fogging and odor in interior automotive components.
OnFlex LO is well suited for a broad range of automotive applications including heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) seals, buttons, controls, coin trays and drink holder mats. It can be overmolded onto polyolefin substrates using two-shot injection molding processes.
“PolyOne has once again pushed the innovation envelope to help automotive OEMs improve the consumer driving experience,” said Michelle Hearn, director of global marketing, PolyOne. “While our existing TPEs lead the industry in low emissions performance, we continue to innovate and anticipate future demands and stricter requirements. Our new material will play an important role in minimizing further off-gassing of chemicals to help automakers create a healthier, more enjoyable vehicle environment.”
PolyOne tested OnFlex LO TPE against its existing TPEs according to VDA 278 standard for VOCs and fog, and VDA 270 standard for odor. Results showed OnFlex LO TPE cut VOC emissions by approximately 50 percent and fog emissions by 40 percent, while maintaining outstanding low odor performance.
