Hydrophilic (water swellable) TPE

An exciting addition to our Dryflex compounds family is our range of Hydrophilic or 'Water Swellable' TPE materials. These have been developed to expand upon contact with aqueous solutions (PH7 to 12) to form a positive seal and prevent the ingress or exit of water.

A range of formulations have been developed to offer swell rates from 300 to 800% when immersed in water. When there is no longer water present the compound shrinks back to its original size, a process of expansion and contraction that can be repeated an unlimited number of times.

The compounds have solid structural integrity; unlike many of the equivalent clay based products which can erode and shatter over time. Compounded in any colour, the water swellable TPE is 100% recyclable and can be processed using conventional fabricating methods, including extrusion and injection moulding. The compound is also available in anti-microbial versions.

Applications include:

Building and Construction: water treatment plants, tunnels, drains and sewers, integral sealing, tanks

Automotive sealant parts: glazing, headlights, windshields, sunroof

Cable protection: optical fibres, electrical cables, joints

Features

Expansion from 100 to 1000% possible
Different swell rates available
100% Recyclable
Processable using conventional methods; including injection moulding and extrusion
Anti-microbial versions available
Compounds available for alkaline and saline environments
Colour compounding 

Related

Dryflex 50060 Data Sheet 
Dryflex 50183 Data Sheet
Dryflex 50555 Data Sheet

Application Study - Water Swell