Roto Molding TPE

Good morning Im doing a paper on my polymers class in the University and couldnt find any info. about the limits or problems when rotomolding. Is the problem you mentioned about particle size a common one, does it have to be how low? in nm, mm? I am beginning the research and found interest what you guys mentioned. You know where can I find some information where says why cant you rotomold TPE?
Thanks a lot and sorry to bother..

DuPont claims its Hytrel tpe is roto modable.

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 12-06-07 AT 10:01 AM (GMT)[/font][p]We have Roto moulding grade plastomer in stock. It is in powder form. It is clear material which can be dry coloured and easily Roto moulable with high gloss. If you need contact glm@green-line.net or + 91 9940537838

Most elastomers which are olefenic based respound to shear heat to help them flow. I do not think you can get the particle size down enough to be successful. I know several people have tried in the past with no success. Maybe you will be the first if you are sucessful let us know. In injection molding actual melt temeratures range from 370 - 440 F depending on the compound and the hardness.

Robert

We would be interested in if you succeed. It would be a first for TPE. In particular we would be interested in what generic type of tpe you used. TPO would be the most probable to work but maybe TPV if it has a high enough plastic content. Styrenic have only 30% or less plastic segments in the polymer before you start to compound it.

Thanks guys. We are having the material cryogenically ground to reduce particle size, but I am not sure on temperatures.

The customer wants to utilize existing roto molding equiptment so at this point blow molding is out. I will let you know how this goes.

Thanks again.

I agree with Dwight I do not know of any TPE that can be rotational molded. Blow molding maybe an alternate process or change your material choice.

Robert

I know of no one who produces a ground TPE that is suitable to roto molding. The styrenics definitely require shear so they are out. Do not know why they would want to go that way but you could suggest blow molding if it is a hollow product of some type. many of the tpe's can be blow molded. Alternately, There are some ground EVA's out there which could give you some elastomeric properties.