POE: The High-Performance Elastomer Revolutionizing Manufacturing
Understanding POE Rubber
Polyolefin Elastomer (POE) rubber is an innovative material that has gained significant traction across various industries due to its combination of unique properties. As a type of thermoplastic elastomer, POE rubber offers the flexibility of rubber with the processability of plastic, making it a versatile and efficient material for a wide range of applications. In this blog, we will explore what POE rubber is, its key features, and the diverse uses that make it an essential component in modern manufacturing and product development.
What is POE Rubber?
POE rubber is a type of thermoplastic elastomer derived from the polymerisation of ethylene and octene. This material belongs to the polyolefin family, which includes well-known plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. However, unlike its plastic counterparts, POE rubber exhibits elastomeric properties, it can stretch and return to its original shape like traditional rubber materials.
One of the standout characteristics of POE rubber is its ability to combine the flexibility and resilience of elastomers with the ease of processing associated with thermoplastics. This duality allows manufacturers to produce components that are, durable, flexible, and easy to mould and recycle.
Key Features of POE Rubber
Elasticity and Flexibility:
POE rubber is highly elastic, allowing it to stretch and recover without permanent deformation. This flexibility is essential in applications where the material needs to withstand repeated stretching, bending, or compressing, such as in seals, gaskets, and hoses.
Low-Temperature Performance:
One of the key advantages of POE rubber is its excellent performance at low temperatures. Unlike many other elastomers that become brittle when exposed to cold, POE rubber remains flexible and maintains its mechanical properties, making it ideal for applications in cold environments.
Chemical Resistance:
POE rubber is resistant to chemicals including acids, bases, and polar solvents. This resistance enhances the material’s durability in harsh environments, where exposure to chemicals could otherwise degrade its performance.
Flexibility and Resilience:
SBR rubber offers a good balance of flexibility and resilience. It can be stretched and compressed without permanent deformation; which is essential for applications that involve dynamic loads or movement. This characteristic makes SBR suitable for seals, gaskets, and other products requiring flexibility.
Weather Resistance:
POE rubber is highly resistant to weathering, including exposure to UV radiation, ozone, and moisture. This makes it a suitable material for outdoor applications where long-term exposure to the elements is a concern.
Processability:
As a thermoplastic elastomer, POE rubber can be processed using conventional plastic processing techniques, such as injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding. This ease of processing allows for the efficient production of complex shapes and designs, making it a cost-effective choice for manufacturers.
Recyclability:
POE rubber’s thermoplastic nature, means that it can be melted and reprocessed multiple times without significant loss of its properties. This recyclability contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices, as scrap material can be reused in the production process.
Common Uses of POE Rubber
Due to its unique combination of properties, POE rubber is used in a wide range of applications across various industries:
Automotive Industry:
In the automotive sector, POE rubber is used to produce seals, gaskets, and weatherstripping, where its flexibility, low-temperature performance, and resistance to weathering are crucial. Additionally, POE rubber is used in automotive interior components, such as dashboards and door panels, where its softness and durability enhance passenger comfort.
Consumer Goods:
POE rubber is commonly found in consumer products, including footwear, toys, and sporting goods. Its flexibility and softness make it an ideal material for products that require comfort and safety, such as shoe soles, cushioning materials, and protective gear.
Electrical and Electronics:
The electrical and electronics industries benefit from POE rubber’s excellent insulation properties and resistance to environmental factors. POE rubber is used in the production of cable jackets, connectors, and insulation materials, where it provides reliable protection against moisture, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations.
Packaging:
POE rubber is also used in the packaging industry, particularly in producing flexible packaging materials, films, and seals. Its flexibility, chemical resistance, and ease of processing make it a preferred choice for packaging applications that require durability and protection.
Medical Devices:
In the medical field, POE rubber is used to manufacture components such as tubing, seals, and soft-touch grips. Its biocompatibility, flexibility, and resistance to sterilisation make it a safe and effective material for medical devices and equipment.
Construction Industry:
The construction industry utilises POE rubber in applications such as roofing membranes, waterproofing materials, and sealants. Its resistance to weathering and chemical exposure ensures long-lasting performance in demanding construction environments.
Leading Manufacturers of POE
ExxonMobil Chemical:
ExxonMobil is one of the pioneering companies in developing POE. Their Vistamaxx™ brand is well-known for its versatility, offering excellent impact resistance, flexibility, and compatibility with other polyolefins. Exxelor™ is another brand under ExxonMobil, often used in automotive, packaging, and consumer goods.
Dow Inc.:
Dow is a global leader in the production of POE under the Engage™ and Infuse™ brands. Engage™ POEs are known for their elasticity and are used in automotive parts, footwear, and adhesives. Infuse™ olefin block copolymers are a newer generation of POEs offering improved processability and enhanced performance in applications like packaging, hygiene products, and automotive interiors.
LG Chem:
It is based in South Korea, and produces POE under the Lucene™ brand. Lucene™ is recognised for its high flexibility, impact resistance, and low-temperature performance, making it suitable for automotive, wire, cable, and film applications.
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.:
A leading Japanese chemical company that produces POE under the Tafmer™ brand. Tafmer™ products are known for their exceptional elasticity and compatibility with other polyolefins, making them ideal for applications in automotive parts, packaging films, and sealing materials.
SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation):
SABIC, a global leader in diversified chemicals, offers POE under the COHERE™ brand. COHERE™ products are designed for applications requiring strong adhesion, such as flexible packaging, automotive interiors, and adhesives.
Borealis AG:
Borealis a leading provider of innovative solutions in polyolefins, offers POE under the Queo™ brand. Queo™ products are known for their exceptional toughness and flexibility, making them suitable for demanding applications in automotive, packaging, and consumer products.
China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec):
Sinopec is one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China. They produce POE under their brand and use it in various applications such as automotive components, flexible packaging, and construction materials.
SK Global Chemical Co., Ltd.:
SK Global Chemical, a South Korean company, produces POE under the Nexlene™ brand. Nexlene™ products are known for their outstanding impact resistance and flexibility, making them ideal for films, pipes, automotive parts, and consumer products.
Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.:
Sumitomo Chemical is a major Japanese chemical company that produces POE for a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, packaging materials, and industrial goods. Their POE products are valued for their consistency and performance.
LyondellBasell Industries:
LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies globally, offers POE under the Softell™ brand. Softell™ is known for providing a soft touch and excellent impact resistance, making it ideal for automotive interiors, consumer products, and packaging.
POE rubber’s unique combination of elasticity, chemical resistance, weatherability, and processability makes it an invaluable material in several industries. Whether used in automotive components, consumer goods, electrical insulation, or medical devices, POE rubber offers the flexibility and durability needed to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
By understanding the features and benefits of POE rubber, businesses can make informed decisions when selecting materials for their products, ensuring optimal performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. As a versatile and innovative material, POE rubber plays a crucial role in developing products that enhance our daily lives.
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