Technological watch

Sarlink® thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are the premier choice for automotive applications requiring superior elasticity and long-term performance, as a recyclable, light-weight alternative to EPDM rubber. This latest series, Sarlink® RX 3100B, was developed to help automotive brands achieve sustainability targets, by incorporating up to 40% post-industrial recyclate, depending on the hardness. These multi-purpose TPVs are suitable for injection molding, extrusion, overmolding and co-extrusion with polypropylene or other thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). For these high-durometer grades, applications include the backbone or carrier for extruded seals, like in glass run channels, or boots, bellows, and other under hood components.

The two grades, an 84 Shore A and 94 Shore A, are based on the existing Sarlink® 3100 Series technology, but contain 25% and 40% recycled content, respectively. The materials process and perform similarly to their virgin counterparts yet offer sustainability benefits such as reduced dependency on virgin petroleum-based plastic—ideal for OEMs looking to reach aggressive targets around the use of sustainable material content in vehicles. Sarlink RX 3100B TPVs are pre-colored black and can still be recycled in process or at the end of the product’s life cycle.

The use of PIR content versus Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content derived from household waste, provides for a more controlled and consistent raw material stream that can be used in extrusion-grade TPVs without issue. Teknor Apex treats recycled feedstocks like prime raw materials, and they are subject to the same quality assurance testing and must meet relevant specifications for use.

Sarlink® TPVs are manufactured according to the standards of ISO-9001 in the USA, Singapore, and Belgium with strict formulation control and traceability.