https://www.avient.com/knowledge-base/article/whats-difference-tpes-vs-silicones?rtype[]=1164
Sources: https://www.carbon-minds.com/lca-database-for-chemicals-and-plastics/
A 2012 article in Plastics Technology¹ notes silicone rubber molds need tighter tolerances to prevent flash.
On the other hand, TPEs are most commonly processed using in-line, single-screw injection equipment that has been routinely used in the plastics industry for decades.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2020-07/phthalate-facts-brochure.pdf
PHTHALATES IN PLASTICS KNOWING THE FACTS Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics, and in particular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), more flexible.
Examples of common applications include medical tubing, inflatables, packaging film and sheets, garden hoses, toys and automotive plastics.
Selected for their strong performance and durability, phthalates are the most commonly used plasticizers in the world.1 In recent years, concerns have been raised over the use of phthalates, giving rise to myths and unfounded speculation.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2023-03/Mevopur Healthcare Functional Additives Nucleating Application Bulletin.pdf
However, pigments used to color plastic parts can cause warping or shrinking, leading to dosing inaccuracy or even malfunctioning healthcare devices.
The Mevopur™ Healthcare Functional Additives portfolio includes nucleating agents that neutralize the negative effect pigments can have on the mechanical properties of the finished plastic part.
By improving mechanical properties, wall-thinning and reduced material usage can be achieved, without compromising the performance of the plastic part.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2023-10/Cesa Laser Additives Laser Welding Product Bulletin.pdf
Cesa™ Laser Additives Laser welding solutions Laser plastic welding, also often referred to as transmission welding, is a process of bonding plastic parts using focused laser radiation.
A laser beam is directed onto two plastic parts, one that is transparent to the laser energy and one that absorbs the energy.
This creates a joint melting pool of both parts and a weld seam that strongly bonds the two plastic parts together.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/resources/Replacing%2520Metal%2520with%2520Vinyl_0.pdf
Because this supplier fabricates with both metal and plastic in its operations, the team decided to find out if converting metal parts to plastic would be an option.
Having experience in plastic injection molding, Smart Hero knew the material also had to have excellent flow characteristics to be able to fill the complex geometry required for the light.
Most importantly, the plastic light had to have lower manufacturing costs than the painted metal light.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2021-06/colormatrix-select-brochure.pdf
COLORMATRIX SELECT YOUR CHOICE DELIVERED REDEFINING PLASTIC COLORATION ColorMatrix™ Select Rapid Color Prototyping Technology is a color creation, selection and supply service for greater control, choice and speed in color development for injection molded plastic products.
Tapping into Avient’s extensive expertise in polymer materials and colorants, ColorWorks can support your design projects across masterbatch and liquid color systems with: • ColorForward color trends and forecast inspirations • Color selection advice and services • Color workshops • Market insights • Creative design services • Design development support • Product trials and prototyping • Production implementation support • Color portfolio management DESIGNERS RAPID VISUALIZATION OF YOUR COLOR For designers, ColorMatrix Select is a powerful design tool that opens up new creative possibilities for coloring plastic products.
Full on-site technical support Process reporting Regulatory advice and documentation Custom dosing systems Rapid color development Colorant and additive technologies COLOR IS GLOBAL At Avient we think a lot about plastics: how to make them process better, perform better, look better and be kinder to the planet.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/Avient-North Baltimore ISO_IEC 17025%5B29%5D.pdf
No. 0562.01) 11/30/2023 Page 1 of 1 SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION TO ISO/IEC 17025:2017 AVIENT CORPORATION 733 East Water Street North Baltimore, OH 45872 Claire Holman Phone: (419) 257-1327 MECHANICAL Valid To: October 31, 2025 Certificate Number: 0562.01 In recognition of the successful completion of the A2LA evaluation process, accreditation is granted to this laboratory to perform the following automotive plastics tests: Test Method: Test Name: ASTM D412 Tensile ASTM D523 Specular Gloss ASTM D618 (A) Conditioning of Plastics ASTM D624 (Die C) Tear Strength ASTM D638 Tensile Properties ASTM D792 (A) Density and Specific Gravity by Displacement ASTM D1004 Initial Tear Resistance ASTM D1203 (A) Volatile Loss ASTM D1895 (A) Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, Pourability ASTM D1921 Particle Size (Sieve Analysis) ASTM D2240 Durometer Hardness (Shore A and D) ASTM E1331 Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry FMVSS 571.302 Flammability FORD BN-102-01 (A) Low Temperature Flexibility FORD BO-131-03 Interior Odor ISO 3795 Determination of Burning Behavior of Interior Materials SAE J323 (A) Cold Cracking (Mandrel Bend) SAE J1351 Hot Odor for Insulation Materials SAE J1545 Instrumental Color Difference Measurement DOC-058151 Angle of Repose 1 Laboratory Developed Method For the tests to which this accreditation applies, please refer to the laboratory’s Mechanical Scope of Accreditation.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/antimicrobials-for-electronics-application-bulletin.pdf
ENHANCE PROTECTION & INHIBIT BACTERIAL GROWTH WITHSTAND™ ANTIMICROBIAL SOLUTIONS FOR ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES WithStand™ antimicrobial additives are designed to be molded into plastic components to enhance product performance.
These antibacterial and antifungal additives reduce growth of bacteria, mold and fungus on the surface and through the thickness of the plastic part.
ANTIMICROBIALS FOR PLASTICS Effective in reducing bacterial growth across a range of polymer resins Bacteria does not attach to surface of part molded with WithStand Bacteria attaches to surface of part molded without WithStand Side View Molded with antimicrobial additives Molded without antimicrobial additives
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2020-07/rpet-solutions-brochure.pdf
We have come to rely on this common plastic because it is convenient, lightweight, safe, cost effective and highly recyclable.
THE CHALLENGES Improving rPET Quality • Reduce yellowing, improve color and assure IV uniformity Enhancing Bottle Performance • Improve bottle strength, reduce acetaldehyde and minimize thread pulls & blowouts that cause high scrap rates Reducing Carbon Footprint • Reduce energy consumption and raw material usage while driving product efficiencies OUR SOLUTIONS Aligning our work with sustainability demands, we address those challenges for rPET producers, convertors and brand owners alike with technologies to improve both quality and performance, ensuring the recyclability of plastic packaging.
ISSUE AVIENT SOLUTION WHAT IT IS WHAT IT DOES Bottle quality and strength; energy usage ColorMatrix™ SmartHeat RHC Process aid, approved by Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), which helps to reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality and performance of rPET, allowing for higher levels of rPET to be used.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2023-03/Artisan Pre-colored Thermoplastics Technical Bulletin.pdf
Available in a wide range of customizable colors, these impact-modified nylon formulations eliminate secondary painting processes—unlike traditional materials such as painted plastics or metals—providing the added manufacturing and sustainability benefits of reducing energy use and removing VOC emissions.
TECHNICAL BULLETIN Characteristics Artisan™ Nylon Solution Painted Metal Painted Plastic Traditional Molded-in Color Impact Modified Nylon PA Ionomer Alloy Aesthetic Very Good Excellent Excellent Good Very Good Very Good Scratch Appearance Excellent Poor Poor Good Excellent Excellent Scratch & Mar Resistance Very Good Excellent Excellent Poor Very Good Excellent Color Customization Good Excellent Excellent Very Good Good Good Stress Whitening Excellent Fair Fair Poor Excellent Excellent Weatherability Good Excellent Excellent Very Good Good Very Good Temperature Performance Good Excellent Fair Fair Fair Good Corrosion Resistance Excellent Fair Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Processability One Step Multi Step Multi Step One Step One Step Complex One Step Total Production Cost $$$ $$$$$ $$$$ $$ $$$ $$$$ Order Quantity Restrictions Some Some Some None More More COMPARISON OF NYLON, METAL, AND PLASTIC Properties Test Method Artisan™ AR6000-0007 HI UV* Gloss Level** Gloss reading at 60 degrees 80-93 Molding Shrinkage – Across Flow ASTM D955 0.009 to 0.013 in/in Tensile Strength (Yield) ASTM D638 7300 psi Tensile Strength (Break) ASTM D638 5300 psi Tensile Elongation (Yield) ASTM D638 6.0% Flexural Modulus ASTM D790 270500 psi Flexural Strength (Yield) ASTM D790 9950 psi Notched Izod Impact ASTM D256 -4°F (-20°C) 5 ft-lb/in 73°F (23°C) 11 ft-lb/in Unnotched Izod Impact ASTM D256 -4°F (-20°C) 29 ft-lb/in 73°F (23°C) 30 ft-lb/in Color & Aesthetics*** Green, medium blue, dark blue, red, orange, white, gray, black Color customization available based on specific needs KEY PROPERTIES Features: high-gloss finish, UV stability, scratch resistance, chemical/corrosion resistance, cold temperature impact resistance, heat resistance * Reflects average of several colors, properties shift slightly depending on color ** Gloss level varies based on tooling temperature *** UV data available upon request Copyright © 2023, Avient Corporation.