TPEs promote sustainability in the building sector

An engine of growth for economies, the building and construction industry plays a key role in achieving sustainability through the continuous foray into the latest construction technology and materials.

Among a new class of materials, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are garnering wide adoption owing to their recyclability, durability, flexibility, cost-effective production, and a host of other properties that make them suited for exterior and interior building parts.  

Due to the versatility and easy processability, TPEs are becoming a popular choice in the building industry for applications such as door and window seals, pipes, water filtration systems, air ventilation systems and more.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of a wide range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom solutions for multiple industries, offers the THERMOLAST® K EX/UV series that has a wealth of features for applications in the building and construction sector.

Environmentally-friendly compounds

The building and construction industry has been using other materials but the pressing need for sustainability is paving the way for the use of safer and more environmentally sound material solutions.

The halogen-free (in accordance to IEC 61249-2-21) THERMOLAST® K EX/UV series are resistant to acrylic paints and are weldable by infrared and mirror methods of welding.

The compounds outperform other materials in sealing applications with UV and weathering resistance, making them suitable for profiles, door and window seals, edge guards and molded parts in solar equipment. The THERMOLAST® K EX/UV series has also obtained approvals according to RAL GZ 716/1 and CSTB/DER/BV-PEM standards for window seals.

In addition, thanks to the flexibility of the compound, it is able to form complex-shaped parts. Thus, it can also be used in decorative elements.

Materials hard at work in buildings

KRAIBURG TPE offers compounds that have excellent adhesion with other material such as PA, PP, ASA, PC, PC/ABS, PMMA, PE, PBT and SAN.

Additionally, the elasticity of the THERMOLAST® K compounds meet rigorous standards for water-tight and dustproof properties in extruded profiles found in airtight seals, weatherstripping and gaskets.