Density lower than PVC Helps Offset the Higher Price of Synres® Modified PP from Teknor Apex, Making It Viable for Applications Where PVC Is No Longer an Option
Modified so that they are essentially semi-rigid materials, Synres® 1000 Series compounds exhibit mechanical properties comparable to those of PVC in the 40 to 65 Shore D hardness range, plus superior low-temperature toughness and resistance to environmental stress cracking, noted Stephan Pronovost, business director for the Specialty Compounding Division. Because PP has greater thermal stability than PVC, the Synres compounds also provide the benefit of improved processability.
“Synres 1000 Series compounds cost more per pound than the widely used PVC workhorse materials they would replace, but part of the price difference is offset by a greater volume yield,” said Pronovost. “Because their average density is lower than that of semi-rigid PVC materials, one pound of a Synres compound yields more finished product.”
Typical applications for semi-rigid PVC for which the company recommends Synres 1000 Series compounds as alternatives include cove bases and moldings in building and construction, protective edges, and “U” and “J” profiles for diverse uses. Teknor Apex can supply the compounds in natural or pre-colored form in formulations tailored to customer requirements.
The accompanying table compares typical properties of semi-rigid PVC and Synres 1000 Series compounds over a range of hardnesses.
