MOCOM, a global compounder of thermoplastic polymers, is expanding its thermoplastic elastomer portfolio with a new thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) engineered for direct adhesion to PA12.
The new Alfater XL A70I 4PA1210 is designed to open up new possibilities for hard-soft two-component applications across the automotive, electrical and electronics, and sports and leisure sectors.
Bonding soft components to PA12 can pose significant challenges, particularly when reinforced grades are involved. MOCOM says its new TPV has been specifically developed for reliable adhesion to unreinforced, glass fiber-reinforced and carbon fiber-reinforced PA12.
The material targets applications where strong bonding, efficient processing and long-term performance are critical. Potential uses include seals, hose connectors and quick-connect systems for automotive applications, as well as connectors, housings and switches for electrical and electronic components. Bicycle components and other sports and leisure products are also among the potential applications.
A key advantage is that Alfater XL A70I 4PA1210 can be overmolded directly onto PA12 without an additional adhesion promoter. The process also eliminates the need for a special mold coating, which can be required when TPU is used as the soft component to improve demolding.
The new TPV is also designed to deliver performance under demanding conditions. MOCOM highlights very good hydrolysis resistance, low moisture absorption, low compression set and good resistance to heat aging.
Compared with silicone-based solutions, the material does not require additional vulcanization or post-treatment steps. As a thermoplastic elastomer, it can also support new design-for-recycling approaches.
With a Shore hardness of 70 A, Alfater XL A70I 4PA1210 is aimed at demanding technical applications. Adhesion testing on PA12 substrates showed cohesive or adhesive failure together with high peel strengths across unreinforced, glass fiber-reinforced and carbon fiber-reinforced grades.
The results demonstrate the material's ability to create a reliable bond between hard and soft components, giving engineers and designers another option for developing high-performance two-component parts.
