Press Release
Kraton Polymers and GLS Make a Splash
with Swim Goggles Using SBC Compounds
The Kraton G-based compounds from GLS provide an alternative to PVC, silicone and latex. Performance obstacles dissuaded Comptec from using PVC and silicone, and allergy uncertainties complicated the use of latex. GLS delivered a DYNAFLEX® compound based on Kraton G for the head strap and a GLS custom compound with Kraton G for the frame around the goggle lenses. Kraton G polymers offer inherent UV stability, resistance to oxidation and weather, and can offer higher service temperatures and increased processing stability.
“The versatility of Kraton polymers allowed GLS to customize a solution to meet Comptec’s needs,” said Walt Ripple, director of marketing for GLS Corporation. “The compounds had to offer durability from general wear-and-tear, comfort and aesthetic appeal for the consumer and a cost- effective processing system for the manufacturer.”
To ensure longevity and durability, both compounds were designed to withstand swimming pool chemicals, offer good weatherability to endure extreme temperature changes and UV stability to avoid degradation during exposure to the sun. GLS assisted Comptec by leveraging its expertise in rheological design of custom compounds for long flow path, intricate geometry parts. Additionally, GLS performed Dynamic Mechanical Analysis at its state of the art research and development facility in McHenry, IL, to assist in understanding various stress/strain characteristics for proper design of material for Comptec’s head strap.
Both soft compounds measure below 55 Shore A hardness and were developed to retain their performance properties and ensure that the head strap and the lens casing offer the ultimate in soft-touch comfort for swimmers. The compounds remain flexible and comfortable even in cold temperatures. These highly colorable materials provide color design choices, too, ranging from transparent soft tones to pearlescent or iridescent colors.
The DYNAFLEX compound used for the head strap outperforms silicone by offering excellent tear and puncture resistance and higher elongation so it more easily stretches and retains its integrity to ultimately provide added comfort for the consumer.
The Kraton G-based custom compound from GLS can either be molded and assembled directly onto the goggle lens with a good compression fit or overmolded onto the lenses to provide a better seal and require less assembly. Previously, materials such as foam had to be applied to the goggle lens using an adhesive.
For processors, both Kraton G-based compounds offer a cost-effective system and good processability. These compounds can be injection molded or extruded. Good flow and low injection pressures allow manufacturers to process these materials in smaller injection machines with low clamp tonnage, and compound stability means processors can use a hot runner system to reduce runner scrap. Processors using these compounds also realize a long tool life since compounds made with Kraton G polymers do not produce gasses that can pit tooling metal at normal processing temperatures. Both GLS compounds are recyclable.
GLS Corporation has supplied prime elastomeric compounds to the industry since 1979. The company has produced application-specific, custom TPE compounds since 1984. Applications for GLS materials are found in medical, sports and leisure, automotive, lawn and garden, appliance, kitchen tool, power tool, personal care and industrial markets, among others. For more information, visit GLS Corporation’s web site at www.glscorporation.com, e-mail info@glscorp.com, or in the United States call toll-free 1-800-457-TPRS.
The Kraton Polymers Group of Companies pioneered the production of styrenic block copolymers in the 1960s and today retains its position as the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of the technology. Manufacturers and formulators around the world use Kraton polymers in their compounds and applications to add value to their products through improved finish and advanced manufacturing processes.
For more information, e-mail Info@Kraton.com or in the United States call toll-free 1-800-4Kraton.
About Kraton
Kraton Polymers LLC is a premier, global specialty chemicals company and is the world’s largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by Kraton over forty years ago. SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers, which enhance the performance of products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Kraton polymers are used in a wide range of applications including road and roofing materials, numerous consumer products (e.g., diapers, tool handles and toothbrushes), tapes, labels, medical applications, packaging, automotive and footwear products. Kraton has the leading position in nearly all of its core markets and is the only producer of SBCs with global manufacturing capability. Its production facilities are located in the United States, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Brazil, and Japan.
Polymer Holdings LLC is the parent company of Kraton Polymers LLC and has no material assets other than its investment in Kraton Polymers LLC.
Kraton, the Kraton logo and design are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.
Forward Looking Statements
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