Other Materials

Copolymers, elastomers and ionomers

Not every tube is best made from a polyurethane, nylon or engineering resin. We also extrude copolymers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and acid copolymers known as ionomers. Each brings a property that can solve a specific design problem, from softness and clarity to adhesion and low temperature toughness.

We also work with customer-supplied custom and proprietary formulations. Since 1989 we have worked objectively with material vendors to determine whether their materials might be suitable for advanced medical tubing, and we let customers know when new sources and new extrusion materials come onto the market.

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)

EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. It approaches elastomeric materials in softness and flexibility but can be processed like other thermoplastics. It has good clarity, low temperature toughness, stress resistance and resistance to UV radiation. EVA adheres well to a variety of substrates and is used as a coating for nylon and polypropylene, among other materials.

Santoprene™ thermoplastic vulcanizate

Santoprene is a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer made by mixing EPDM rubber and polypropylene. The result has the flexibility and durability of rubber plus the ability to withstand greater temperature extremes. Santoprene is a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), introduced by Monsanto in 1981 as a bridge between thermosets and thermoplastics.

Compared to physically blended and reactor-made thermoplastic polyolefins, TPVs offer better high temperature resistance, low impact properties, resistance to UV radiation, low compression set and fatigue resistance. Santoprene is not radiopaque.

Surlyn™ ionomer resin

Surlyn is a thermoplastic resin made by combining acid copolymers, such as ethylene and methacrylic acid, with metal salts. The neutralized acid forms ion clusters within the polymer, which gives this class of resins the name ionomer.

Surlyn processes much like ethylene-based copolymers, but with better low temperature impact toughness, abrasion and chemical resistance, transparency, melt strength and adhesion to other materials such as polyurethane, metal and glass. It readily accepts colorants.