| The S.O.E.™-SS
series features flexibility and other mechanical properties
equivalent to flexible PVC(f-PVC). Unlike conventional
polyolefinic substitutes for f-PVC, it can also be formed
using the same processing equipment and conditions as
with f-PVC, and displays scratch resistance and wear characteristics
superior to f-PVC. In addition, S.O.E.™-SS
features excellent heat stability and weatherability,
and outstanding compatibility with a wide range of resins
and elastomers, including both olefinics and styrenics,
and can be loaded with a high inorganic filler content,
enabling wide latitude to prepare blends with modified
properties such as hardness.
Efforts to develop f-PVC substitutes,
prompted by environmental and safety concerns, have
primarily focused on olefinic resins. Despite many years
of concerted research throughout the world, candidate
materials have remained inferior to f-PVC in terms of
scratch resistance and wear characteristics. Moreover,
these materials remain unsuitable for calendering, one
of the most widely used forming processes for f-PVC.
S.O.E.™-SS
not only enables calendering, but also an extensive
range of processes including casting, blowing, extrusion
molding, injection molding, and foaming. Containing
no halogens or plasticizers, it satisfies the demand
for a PVC substitute based on concerns related to halogenic
combustion products and leaching of plasticizer.
While it is generally known that ethylene/styrene
interpolymers synthesized with metallocene catalysts
can be produced with properties similar to S.O.E.™-SS
Asahi Kasei's production technology for S.O.E.™-SS
is based on a completely different approach which achieves
more competitive production costs. Further, the production
technology enables a high degree of freedom to manipulate
the polymer structure, enabling subsequent development
of products with additional performance characteristics.
Market development for S.O.E.™-SS
as a substitute material has advanced in an expanse
of applications where f-PVC has conventionally been
used. S.O.E.™-SS
is proving its clear superiority to other materials
when used in a wide range of fields including:
- synthetic leather for automotive interiors, footwear,
and sporting goods,
- films, sheets, and tapes for packaging use,
- foam moldings for construction and packaging materials,
- vibration damping and soundproofing,
- asphalt modification, and
- adhesives and sealants.
Another new material developed together with S.O.E.™-SS
is the S.O.E.™-SO
series olefinic elastomer, which has already been commercialized.
S.O.E.™-SO
is used as a performance modifier for polypropylene
in automotive applications and for polyolefin films.
In applications such as footwear, its blends with ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer (EVA) display compression set performance
far superior to that obtained with conventional olefinic
elastomers. Sales of S.O.E.™-SO
are growing, as market development continues to progress.
The commercialization of S.O.E.™-SS
and its rapid forecast growth will provide a vital impetus
for the overall growth of synthetic rubber, elastomer,
and related operations at Asahi Kasei, and additional
product developments which will further advance the
expansion of this key field are under way.
Appendix
1. Hysteresis property
S.O.E.™-SS shows similar
hysteresis property to flexible PVC(f-PVC) at room temperature.
 |
| |
* f- PVC: a grade for automotive interior
parts; hardness(type A), 66
L601: S.O.E.™-SS;
hardness (type A), 67 |
|
Appendix
2. Scratch resistance
S.O.E.™-SS has equivalent or
superior scratch resistance to flexible PVC.
 |
 |
| S.O.E.™-SS
(L601; hardness (type A) 67) |
Flexible PVC
(a grade for automotive interior parts; hardness(type
A), 66) |
* Pencil hardness test
load, 100g; pencil hardness,
9H; test direction, from right to left
Appendix
3. Wear characteristics
S.O.E.™-SS has superior wear
characteristics to flexible PVC.
 |
 |
|
S.O.E.™-SS
(L601; hardness (type A) 67)
|
Flexible PVC
(a grade for automotive interior parts; hardness(type
A), 66)
|
* rubbing material, kanakin No.3 cotton fabric; Load,
500g; rubbing surface, form R width 19.5 mm
Appendix
4. Physical and abrasion property of various soft-touch
materials
| |
f-PVC1)
|
S.O.E.™-SS(L601)
|
Styrenic Elastomer
(SEBS2))
|
Olefinic Elastomer3)
|
|
Hardness, type A
|
66
|
67
|
79
|
77
|
|
Tensile strength at break (MPa)
|
10.8
|
11.8
|
24.5
|
39
|
| Color fastness rubbing test |
Abrasion cycle |
10,000
|
10,000
|
10,000
|
4,000
|
| Abrasion loss (ml) |
0.04
|
0.01
|
0.07
|
0.11
|
| Evaluation |
Good
|
Excellent
|
Fair
|
Bad
|
1) A grade for automotive interior parts
2) A hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomer
3) Olefinic thermoplastic elastomer: EPM, non-vulcanized
type; MFR(L), 0.3 g/10min
Please note that all data and values
are given as typical results obtained with the indicated
test methods for purposes of basic reference only and
not as any product specification or warranty of any
nature, and are subject to change without notice.
For further information on these Asahi Kasei products,
please contact
us.
|
