Chemical News

APA will display DuraGrip TPE along with its premium material, Alcryn® Melt-Processible Rubber™, courtesy of Jacobson Van Den Berg Ltd. (booth D964), its largest distributor in the region. Chinaplas will mark the official introduction of DuraGrip TPE to the region.

“China is obviously a growing market in the worldwide plastics industry, making Chinaplas 2005 a significant event for both manufacturers and material suppliers,” said Jeff Senich, business development manager for APA. “We’re looking forward to working with Jacobson, whose expertise is invaluable, as we introduce DuraGrip TPE to the region.”

APA’s display will include samples of DuraGrip TPE and Alcryn MPR, including automotive applications (soft grip knobs, shifter boots, interior grab handles, etc.), architectural profiles, tool and appliance grips, sports equipment, and more. Technical information, physical property data, and processing information will also be available.

About DuraGrip TPE
DuraGrip TPE is a versatile thermoplastic elastomer that enhances the value of end products through its performance characteristics and features, including, when needed, a soft-touch feel. The DuraGrip grades, available in 30 to 80 Shore A hardness, come in easily colorable natural, black, translucent, and clear. Available grades include:
- DuraGrip 6000 series – the general-purpose grade that is easy to use in injection molding and extrusion processes. It bonds well to polypropylene and polyethylene.
- DuraGrip 6100 series – bonds well to PC, ABS, PC/ABS alloys, nylon, ASA, and other engineered thermoplastic materials.
- DuraGrip 6800 series – the FDA-compliant grade designed to offer very good elastomeric properties and soft-touch feel. The 6800 series processes well in injection molding, overmolding, extrusion and co-extrusion manufacturing. It bonds to polypropylene and polyethylene.

When combined with rigid thermoplastic substrates, DuraGrip TPE adds an ergonomic soft-touch feel that can increase customer value in applications for industries including appliances, electronics, home improvement, household products, lawn and garden, office supplies, personal care, sports and leisure, and more. Additionally, its physical properties make it ideal for automotive applications.

About APA
Advanced Polymer Alloys (APA), a division of Ferro Corporation, is the world’s leading supplier of Melt-Processible Elastomers (MPEs).

APA’s broad line of elastomers spans the entire TPE price/performance range – from the wide appeal of soft, affordable DuraGrip to top-performing Alcryn MPR, the world’s only melt-processible rubber.

Bridging the gap between design vision and engineering reality, APA’s unique material innovations deliver ideal performance properties to enhance the quality, appeal, and marketability of virtually every product.

APA’s goal is to provide customers with optimal material solutions for their specific needs – whether drawing from our full MPE line or compounding custom alloys.

Ferro Corporation is a major international producer of performance materials for industry, including coatings and performance chemicals. The company has operations in 20 countries and recorded sales of $1.6 billion in 2003.

For more information on the company’s product line, visit APA on the web at www.APAinfo.com or call 888-663-6005.

Alcryn®, Melt-Processible Rubber™ (MPR), DuraGrip®, and Melt-Processible Elastomers™ (MPE) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ferro Corporation. APA is a division of Ferro Corporation.