1. Large choice of processing

 

Pebax^® has excellent processability in each of the major thermoplastic processing technologies:

• Injection molding
• Extrusion (cast film, blown film, sheet, tube...)
• Assembly process: overmolding and coextrusion

 

2. Handling recommendations

 

1. Ready to use products without re-drying for unopened bags
2. Bag storage at T<40-50°C, without high humidity content
3. No heated hopper necessary to process Pebax^®
4. Bring bags in workshop 24 hours before processing (to avoid condensation)
5. Do not use granules from open bags (> 2 hours)
6. During trials, manually close bags after feeding the hopper to avoid water uptake
7. After one-day trial, reseal the bag before re-using the next day

3. Drying Conditions

 

Granules exposed to atmospheric conditions for more than 2 hours should be dried prior to processing (see table below). Place the granules onto a clean flat metallic tray for efficient drying. Arkema highly recommends using vacuum drying ovens; higher temperature and time reduction is achieved with lack of oxygen. Desiccant dryers are also efficient with regularly changed filters. Risk of oxidation is greater with forced-air circulation ovens.

 

Grades		RDG 277 / RDG 314	7233 SN01	7033 SN01	6333 SN01	5533 SN01	4003 SN01 / MDC 1205	3533 SN01	2533 SN01
Hot air oven or Vacuum oven	Temperature (°C)	70-80	70-80	70-80	65-75	65-75	60-70	55-65	55-65
	Duration (h)	6-8	5-7	5-7	4-6	4-6	4-6	4-one night	4-one night

 

Bag storage conditions : Store away from moisture and heat, in ventilated atmosphere
Shelf life : 2 years from the date of delivery

 

 

4. Injection Molding Recommendations

• Residence time < 10 min
• 25% < injected volume < 80% of total shot capacity
• 2.2 < compression rate < 2.8
• 18 < L/D < 22

Depending on the selected pebax^® grade and injection conditions, the shrinkage rate of pebax^® will typically vary from 0.5 to 1.5%.
The rheological behavior of pebax^® allows for a wide range of processing temperatures compared to other Thermoplastic Elastomers (especially TPU). Pebax^® can be injected in extremely thin parts (down to 0.8 mm). It also leads to short cycle times, high recyclability and accurate dimension control.

 

Injection Molding Temperature Recommendations (°C) :

 

Grades	RDG 277 / RDG 314	7233 SN01	7033 SN01	6333 SN01	5533 SN01	4003 SN01 / MDC 1205	3533 SN01	2533 SN01
Minimal	240	230	230	230	200	200	180	180
Recommended	270	260	260	260	240	240	210	210
Maximal	300	290	290	290	270	270	240	240

 

Mold Temperature (°C):

 

Grades	Pebax® filled (RDG277, RDG314)	Rigid Pebax® (5533 -> 7233)	Soft Pebax® (2533 -> 4033)
Recommended	40-60	25-60	10-30

 

 

5. Dry-blending compatibility

 

With its extensive hardness range, pebax^® is suitable for a vast majority of applications. It is possible, however, to mix various grades of pebax^® in order to achieve more specific properties. ARKEMA personnel will be pleased to assist you in selecting the pebax^® blend that best meets your specification.

 

6. Overmolding

 

Insert molding offers countless combinations of possibilities with a variety of materials such as glass, metals, polymers and textiles. The overmolding technique is widely used to manufacture soles of football and athletic shoes. Pebax^® is highly suitable for these applications as it features a wide plasticizing range. The adhesion of pebax^® onto inserts can be optimized by adjusting the process parameters. From a general stand point :

• Pebax^® can over mold: Pebax^®, TPU (preferably Ether type), PVC, leather, coated parts…
• Pebax^® can be over molded by : Rilsan^® PA 12, Rilsan^® PA 11, Rilsan^® Clear…

 

7. Extrusion Conditions of Pebax^®

 

Thanks to the rheological properties of pebax^®, the possibilities of extrusion and coextrusion are endless:
Films down to 10µm in cast or blown process

• Sheet
• Tubes

Pebax^® can be extruded on conventional equipment. ARKEMA personnel will be pleased to provide specific processing parameters related to pebax^® in technologies such as tube sizing, blown film drawing or sheet calendering.

 

Pebax® Grade	Recommended Temperatures
7033	220°C - 250°C
6333	210°C - 240°C
5533	210°C - 230°C
4033	210°C - 230°C
3533	190°C - 220°C
2533	170°C - 210°C