A new TPE series from Teknor Apex meets stringent German standards for drinking water applications and can be used in a wide range of components for direct and indirect contact with potable water. The Monprene RG-14000 series have been tested and approved by German laboratories for compliance with drinking water hygiene standards.
They are certified for cold-water (23 °C) and warm-water (60 °C) applications in accordance with Germany’s KTW (Kontakt mit Trinkwasser) guideline for hygienic assessment of organic materials in contact with drinking water. In addition, the series meets the requirements of the DVGW (Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches) technical Standard W270, a test method used to determine the microbial growth on non-metallic materials intended for use in drinking water systems. These new TPEs also comply with European directive EU 10/2011 for food contact applications and are made with FDA CFR 21-compliant ingredients. “Monprene RG-14000 Series TPEs help to avoid chemical or microbial contamination of potable water systems and prevent impairment of water quality with unwanted odours, flavours, or colours,” said Chris Smith, senior market manager for Teknor Apex in Europe.
Available in Shore A hardnesses from 50 to 90, the Monprene series compounds can be supplied in natural or black formulations and exhibit a light natural colour for ease of colouring. They can be extruded, injection moulded, or two-component moulded onto polyolefin substrates. The materials are well-suited for the production of shower heads, plumbing seals and gaskets, membranes, valves, pipe fittings and connectors, and hoses.
| Properties and units | ISO test Method | Monprene RG-14000 series compound | ||||
| RG- 14050 |
RG- 14060 |
RG- 14070 |
RG- 14080 |
RG- 14090 |
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| Hardness in Shore A | 868 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
| Density in g/cm3 | 1183 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 0.89 |
| Tensile strength in MPa | 527, 1/-2 | 9 / 12 | 8 / 16 | 9.4 / 16 | 12 / 18 | 14 / 21 |
| Strain at break in % | 527, 1/-2 | 660 / 830 | 620 / 920 | 620 / 880 | 570 / 900 | 550 / 900 |
| Tensile modulus (100% strain) in MPa | 527, 1/-2 | 1.1 / 1 | 1.8 / 1.7 | 2.5 / 2.3 | 4 / 3.5 | 6.2 / 5.6 |
| Tear strength in kN/m | 34-1B | 11 / 13 | 24 / 25 | 26 / 28 | 38 / 49 | 46 /73 |
| Compression set (70 h, 23 °C) in % | 815 | 19 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 3 |
| Typical properties of the new Monprene TPEs for drinking water applications (Source: Teknor Apex) |
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