Cracks, splits and holes

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are used in toothbrushes, cellphone keypads and screwdrivers. They can be injection-moulded, extruded or calandered (rolled into sheets and films) in large quantities at low cost. They can even be welded, which is particularly desirable when using them in the building industry.

Now, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT have succeeded in extending this family of materials by adding a further component: polyacrylate, a substance known for its excellent absorptive properties.

The resulting thermoplastic-elastomer composites swell up to several times their dry volume when in contact with water. But what is even more important: they can be processed like TPE.

The researchers say that the new plastics could be used whenever it is important to prevent water or aqueous solutions from leaking out or penetrating into adjacent spaces.