Arnitel® is a family of polyester based elastomers manufactured by DSM. These co-polyesters, commonly known as COPE, combine the performance characteristics of elastomers with the processing features
Arnitel® is a family of polyester based elastomers manufactured by DSM. These co-polyesters, commonly known as COPE, combine the performance characteristics of elastomers with the processing features of thermoplastics, providing benefits in processing and productivity. These materials combine excellent elastomeric properties at low temperatures with a high continuous use temperature and excellent fatigue behavior. Relative to other elastomers, polyester-based materials offer the most consistent performance over their entire operating temperature range since their properties vary little from low to high temperature extremes. Arnitel copolyesters consist of alternating hard and soft segments. The hard segments are crystalline polybuthylene-terephthalate (PBT); the soft segments are amorphous polyesters or polyethers.
Arnitel® Properties
The ratio of soft to hard segments and the composition of the soft segment can be varied, thus creating a wide range of properties.
Main characteristics of Arnitel® are:
- excellent flexural fatigue endurance
- high peak temperature resistance
- high impact strength, even at sub-zero temperatures
- high tear and abrasion resistance
- good resistance to chemicals and weathering
- good electrical properties
- extremely high load-bearing capability relative to other elastomers
- excellent adhesion to ABS, PBT and PC
- good tactile feel
- excellent adhesion to paint, glues and metals
Arnitel® copolyester elastomers are available with a hardness range from 38 to 74 Shore D. In addition, grades suited for injection molding, extrusion and blow molding are also standard. Masterbatches are available to improve the heat aging, UV stability, and hydrolysis resistance of Arnitel. It is the only copolyester elastomer that is also offered in two grades that are UL94 V0 rated. Specialty grades available for specific purposes include: E grades, (best flex fatigue life, color retention when aging, and tear strength); P grades (higher melting point, best short term low temperature flexibility); and U grades (highest continuous use temperature, best abrasion resistance).
Arnitel® Components
The range of available Arnitel grades covers a broad variety of applications where flexibility, durability, high and low temperature performance, and/or mechanical strength are required.
Arnitel® Application Areas
AUTOMOTIVE
air ducts, air bag covers, body plugs, CVJ boots and bellows, convoluted tubing,
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS
wire and cable, snapfit connectors vibration damping housings
INDUSTRIAL
hose and tube, belts, seals
CONSTRUCTION
roofing and wall membranes, tubing, soft touch tool grips
MEDICAL
medical drapes and gowns, wound care
PERSONAL CARE
dispensers, diapers
DSM Engineering Plastics, 2267 West Mill Road, PO Box 3333. Tel: 800-333-4237; Fax: 812-435-7702 .
