Hallstar Launches New FKM Processing Aids

Hallstar has developed a new line of polymeric plasticizers for fluoroelastomer compounds, a class of high-performance materials that are challenging to plasticize because of their fluorinated backbones. Plasthall^® P-920 and its dry version, Suprmix^® Plasthall^® P-920, act as processing aids and reduce viscosity with minimal impact on tensile properties.

Most ester plasticizers are monomers, but Plasthall^® P-Series products are polymeric. Fluoroelastomers typically complicate the incorporation of polyester plasticizers, but these two Hallstar products enhance extrusion efficiency by lowering Mooney viscosity. In turn, this reduces torque and energy consumption.

Plasthall^® P-920 is a polymeric plasticizer that’s available as a neat liquid or on dry carriers such as silica, wollastonite, or magnesium oxide. This newly developed product is used in fluoroelastomers (FKM) for applications that include automotive molded parts, O-rings, fuel hoses, gaskets, seals, and transmission seals. FKM is ASTM’s short form name for fluoroelastomer materials.

Depending on material compatibility, compounders can add 2 to 10 parts per hundred (PHR) of Plasthall^® P-920 to FKM formulations. This supports a reduction in Mooney viscosity by over 25% with minimal effect on tensile properties. This is significant because low-viscosity fluids flow more easily, which reduces the torque and energy consumption required for extrusion.

Suprmix^® Plasthall^® P-920 is a polymeric plasticizer that is supplied in dry form. As a processing aid, it can be used with fluoroelastomers, chlorinated rubber, ethyl cellulose, nitrile, nitrocellulose, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Applications include molded automotive parts, automotive shoes and boots, conveyor belts, fuel hoses, and gaskets. It’s also used with hydraulic hoses, industrial hoses and tubing, O-rings, water seals, and wire and cable.