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SABIC and Lubrizol have developed compatible material solutions well suited for various applications in the consumer electronics and mobility industries, among others. According to the two companies, these solutions which combine soft and rigid materials can help customers advance their sustainability goals, enhance the protection of ever thinner and more vulnerable applications, and streamline manufacturing through part consolidation.

The solutions feature SABIC’s LNP specialty compounds and copolymers, which function as rigid substrates, and Lubrizol’s soft Estane Eco TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) materials, which are 2-shot injection molded onto the substrates. The SABIC thermoplastics may enable thin-wall molding to reduce raw material consumption or deliver chemical resistance for durability. Lubrizol’s Estane Eco TPUs are formulated with biobased content and are manufactured at ISCC+ certified facilities.

Potential applications for these complementary materials include laptops, cell phone cases and other electronics devices where durability, drop protection and a non-slip surface are needed. One potential application is a laptop case featuring glass fiber-reinforced LNP Thermocomp compound as the rigid substrate and Estane Eco TPU as the soft, overmolded polymer.

The SABIC material provides high modulus, low warpage, good ductility and non-brominated/non-chlorinated flame retardance along with impact resistance and weatherability. Thermocomp compounds are available in more than 25 different base resins, including Ultem PEI, PEEK, various nylons, PPS and melt processible fluoropolymers, with a number of reinforcing additives used, including glass fiber, carbon fiber, glass beads and various minerals.

The Lubrizol Estane Eco TPU offers chemical and abrasion resistance. These soft and rigid material combinations could also show promise for industries other than consumer electronics where features such as ergonomics or enhanced haptics are needed.