The material is derived from polyisobutene elastomer and styrene

BASF will launch a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) at K2004 – the first time it has introduced such a material. The Oppanol IBS range of TPEs is a styrene-modified version of the company’s existing Oppanol medium and high molecular weight polyisobutene (PIB) elastomer materials.

BASF said it had been able to make the new IBS material through the use of living cationic polymerisation, so that the new IBS material takes on typical TPE properties such as the absence of cold flow and availability in pellet form. The material also offers a high barrier to water vapour and gases.

Margit Hiller, who is responsible for Oppanol IBS development at BASF, said: “By offering tailor-made variations in molecular weight and styrene content, we can adapt the flow properties of Oppanol IBS to individual requirements.” Further opportunities should be available, according to BASF, through blending of IBS with other polymers.

The PIB base material for IBS is a core business for BASF, which manufactures 100,000tpa of the material in four plants situated in Antwerp, Belgium, as well as in its Ludwigshafen headquarters in Germany.