ExxonMobil launches TPV solution for auto application

ExxonMobil has introduced new Santoprene™ integrated thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) system solutions which have the potential to extend the frontiers of performance and recyclability while optimising 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.

Santoprene R² TPV, made with PCR material, can help improve its life cycle impact compared to regular Santoprene TPV, while offering an optimised balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for the foot element of the GRC. Santoprene TPV scrap generated during weatherseal manufacture can be melted and remoulded, 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.

“Initiatives like the EU Green Deal and CHINA VI are driving the automotive value chain to constantly consider how new sustainability objectives can be achieved. 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.

Santoprene HR TPV provides enhanced resilience, elastic recovery, and UV resistance for the lips and skins of the GRC. Frame-under-glass GRC, which are popular in Europe and becoming increasingly so in Asia Pacific, 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.”

“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,” said Jessica Vasquez, Global SE&B Product Technology Manager. “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 semi-dynamic weatherseal applications in a range of vehicles from traditional ICEs to NEVs.”