Technological watch

ExxonMobil has introduced new Santoprene™ integrated thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) system solutions which can extend the frontiers of performance and recyclability while optimizing costs for glass run channel (GRC) weatherseals.
The system solutions are enabled by two new TPV grades which, when used together, are designed to replace EPDM rubber. Santoprene™ R² TPV includes post-consumer recycled (PCR) material and Santoprene™ High Resilience (HR) TPV offers elastic recovery performance comparable to EPDM, which can be difficult to recycle. For other mechanical properties, both grades deliver a similar performance to EPDM.
High Performance & Sustainable Design: Santoprene™ R² TPV
New system solutions for automotive Glass Run Channel weatherseals manufacturing processes Santoprene™ R² TPV, which includes PCR material, offers greater potential for sustainable design solutions and an optimized balance of performance and cost. Santoprene™ High Resilience (HR) TPV for improved resilience, elastic recovery, and UV resistance. Designed to replace EPDM rubber by offering similar performance enables innovation, accelerating the deployment of a more sustainable solution Santoprene R² TPV, made with PCR material, can help improve its life cycle impact compared to regular Santoprene TPV, while offering an optimized balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for the foot element of the GRC.
Santoprene TPV scrap generated during weatherseal manufacture can be melted and remolded, reducing the amount of waste. And, when a vehicle reaches its end-of-life, components made with Santoprene TPV can potentially be recovered and recycled, further contributing to the customer’s circular economy model.
“We are proud to build on our history of innovative solutions for the automotive value chain - working with Santoprene TPV, sustainability can now be instilled throughout the entire lifecycle of your vehicle,” said Dan Moore, vice president specialty elastomers and butyl, ExxonMobil.
Replacing EPDM with Santoprene HR TPV
Santoprene HR TPV provides enhanced resilience, elastic recovery, and UV resistance for the lips and skins of the GRC. Frame-under-glass GRC are typically made with a metal frame and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber. Now, frame-under-glass GRC can be made with Santoprene TPV replacing EPDM. Due to its performance properties, Santoprene HR TPV is a viable replacement for EPDM rubber currently used for semi-dynamic weatherseal applications, plus technical and commercial tests are in progress for use in dynamic weatherseals.
“In the automotive weatherseals market, Santoprene TPV is acknowledged by the industry as being successful for static and less demanding semi-dynamic applications, while EPDM has been the material of choice for highly demanding semi-dynamic and dynamic seals. That is until now,” said Leslie Chan, global SE&B market development manager, ExxonMobil. “The improved performance properties of Santoprene HR TPV, including resilience and elastic recovery, unleash the potential use of TPV as an EPDM alternative for more demanding dynamic applications.”
Achieving Weight Reduction with Metal Replacement
In addition to the recycling potential, these system solutions support a reduction in weight for all types of vehicles by replacing metal reinforcement with PP and design flexibility. Material related vehicle weight constraints remain one of the challenges to achieving even greater energy savings.
“Appreciating these changes in the mobility market, ExxonMobil recognizes an opportunity for smart innovation, acknowledging that it takes many years of collaboration across the value chain to deliver shared value,” said Stephen Chan, global SE auto market development manager. “Working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, commercial tests are proving very successful, confirming that Santoprene HR TPV meets OEM specifications for highly demanding semidynamic weatherseal applications in a range of vehicles from traditional ICEs to NEVs.”