Elastomer helps amputees swim

GainShine TPE has developed a thermoplastic elastomer that combines softness with memory and rigidity to meet the demands of a swim dive fin for amputees.

The customized TPE has the proper durometer to prevent chafing but rigid enough to allow a strong push in the water and to stand on itself without deforming. Other benefits are neutral buoyancy, heat resistance and availability in a range of colors.

GainShine’s new elastomer, GS0450-80A, is based on SEBS polymer and sports an 80 Shore A durometer. The company developed the compound for amputees. The new fins, suited to war veterans and to a range of people of different ages.

Learn more: http://www.gainshinetpe.com/elastomer-helps-amputees-swim.html

What is Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS) and is it Safe?

It’s becoming more common to see Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS)used as a substitute for PVC in toys. But the question is whether it’s a safer replacement or not . . .

What is SEBS?

SEBS is actually a form of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with styrene added. Green Peace lists SEBS as an acceptable alternative to PVC in toys. Polyolefin plastics such as Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) are the most common building blocks for SEBS, which don’t need plasticizers (like phthalates) or stabilizers (like lead) for flexibility.

Additives, such as plasticizers and stabilizers, are a necessary component of all PVC formulations. Without these additives, PVC is brittle, degrades easily, and is unversatile. Softeners are not chemically bound to the PVC polymer, but rather float around the polymer, like water in a sponge, giving the plastic the flexibility required.

SEBS is already used in the production of toys (teething rings by Tolico in Denmark) and can replace PVC for the production of dolls heads (with hair) using rotational molding techniques, one of the most difficult PVC substitutions.

Often called by the brand name Kraton®, SEBS is used in a wide variety of general-purpose rubber items as well as in handlebar grips, toothbrushes, sports mouth guards, diapers (as the elastic component) and teethers. The chemical resistance of SEBS is similar to natural rubber, having excellent resistance to water, acids, and bases.

read more: http://www.gainshinetpe.com/what-is-styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-sebs-and-is-it-safe.html