What is Opti-Flex™ TPO made of?
Opti-Flex™ TPO is primarily made of various polyolefin elastomers, combined together to form a soft, transparent, highly flexible material with good processing properties in injection molding and extrusion. Unlike other TPEs, Opti-Flex™ TPO is not a block-copolymer or a rubberized polymer, but a unique, homogenous polyolefinic material with elastomeric properties.
Key features of TPE-O
TPE-O have been increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the development of new metallocene polymers allowing reaching unprecedented levels of flexibility for polyolefins. But these plastomers or polyolefin elastomers are not easy to process and show some weaknesses when used alone – Opti-Flex™ TPO is the answer!
Tensile Properties
Opti-Flex™ TPO show outstanding mechanical properties, outperforming other TPE from the same hardness range.
Lightweight Properties
Its low density reduces overall product weight, contributing to energy efficiency and lower part cost when compared to other transparent elastomers.
UV and Weather Resistance
Opti-Flex™ TPO performs well in outdoor environments, no yellowing being observed under sunlight.
Easy Processing
Can be processed using standard thermoplastic methods, such as injection molding and extrusion, ensuring cost-effective production.
Transparency
Opti-Flex™ TPO outstanding transparency allow a wide array of uses, including soft, flexible PVC replacement and bright colors.
Chemical Purity
Opti-Flex™ TPO doesn’t contain mineral oil, making it material of choice for soft grips to avoid oil migration, surface properties and haptics changes overtime. As a styrene-free material, it can be used in applications banning TPE-S compounds.
What are the sustainability benefits of Opti-Flex™ TPO?
Recyclability
As a thermoplastic, TPO can be recycled during and after manufacturing, minimizing waste and contributing to a circular economy. Some Recyclass available guidelines demonstrate suitability of the solution at levels up to 10% in PP.
Lightweight for Energy Savings
As an unfilled elastomer, Opti-Flex™ TPO has an extremely low specific gravity, allowing significant weight savings vs similar TPEs of same hardness.
Durability
Excellent Tensile & Tear properties combined with good stability allow long product lifespan, thus decreasing the need for replacements, reducing resource use over time.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Being primarily based on polyolefins, Opti-Flex™ TPO exhibits some of the lower carbon footprint among virgin (fossil-based) elastomers of same hardness, as demonstrated by available CO2 footprint values calculated specifically.
Industries & Applications
Why Choose Opti-Flex™?
Opti-Flex™ TPO, developed by Customized Compound Solutions A/S (CCS), offers a range of benefits tailored to meet specific application requirements. By choosing Opti-Flex™ TPO, you gain access to a versatile material that combines cost-effectiveness, performance, and customizable properties, ensuring it meets the specific needs of your application.
Cost-Effective Alternative
Provides a value-added thermoplastic olefin option to styrenic or PVC compounds, delivering great aesthetics and durability at an economical price point.
Enhanced Aesthetics and Durability
Delivers appealing visual qualities and robust performance, making it suitable for consumer and industrial applications.
Customization Flexibility
CCS and Bjørn Thorsen specializes in tailoring Opti-Flex™ TPO to specific customer needs, ensuring that customized solutions can be developed to meet all requirements.
Latex-, Styrene-, Plasticizer-, Oil-, and Halogen-Free
Offers a cleaner, safer material choice for sensitive applications like medical and food contact products.
Chemical and Hydrolysis Resistant
Withstands harsh environments, ensuring durability and reliability over time.
Food Contact Approved
Suitable for applications requiring compliance with food safety standards.
Soft Touch (60-90A)
Provides a pleasant tactile feel, ideal for grips, handles, and consumer products.
Low Density
Lightweight properties enable efficient material use and product design.
Transparency
Offers a clear, aesthetically pleasing option for applications requiring visibility or a modern look.
Polyolefin-Based Composition
As a 100% polyolefin-based flexible polymer, it simplifies recyclability and supports efforts toward material efficiency when paired with appropriate recycling systems.
Tough, Lightweight, and Ready for Any Challenge
This is a robust and versatile material that offers alternative to conventional TPEs for applications requiring extra strength, high transparency and low-migration. It is a proven alternative to soft PVC for fabric coating or calendering applications TPO’s ease of processing and recyclability further enhance its appeal, offering cost-effective solutions for high-performance applications.
