DuPont licenses nylon/elastomer bonding tech from Evonik

A license agreement between DuPont and Evonik gives DuPont exclusive, worldwide access to Evonik's patented multi-shot 2K molding technology for nylon 6,6 and nylon 6. The technology enables direct bonding of rubber and plastics and eliminates the need for primer or anchoring in the production of two-component assemblies combining DuPont's Vamac ethylene acrylic elastomer (AEM) or Viton fluoroelastomers (FKM) with its Zytel nylon resins.

Patrick Cazuc, global marketing manager, DuPont Automotive Performance Polymers-Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), told PlasticsToday that the technology will work with other nylons, including 11 and 12, but that is not part of DuPont's agreement with Evonik, which covers only nylon 6 and 6,6. Evonik has some existing licensees for the technology.

DuPont and Evonik say the result is the potential for greater automation, enhanced quality control, and reduced cycle times in two-component automotive sealing parts like air intakes, rocker covers, oil-pan gaskets, oil filter seals, and quick connectors.

Evonik's patented technology allows primerless adhesion of elastomer to plastic, obviating adhesives or solvents and pre-treatment processes. It also allows automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to mount parts more easily due to exact positioning of the elastomeric seal or gasket onto the thermoplastic part. This reduces the risk of potential misalignment that could result in leakage in the field.

In practice, a part is molded in nylon and then rotated to another cavity where the elastomer is then overmolded onto the component on the same machine by utilizing dual barrels.

Evonik said in a statement that the exclusive, global licensing agreement with DuPont will open up the technology to much broader adoption. DuPont said the exclusive license gives its customers quality, cost, and performance gains in two-component moldings of Zytel nylon directly bonded with Vamac or Viton elastomers.