Dow Performance Silicones, part of DowDuPont Specialties Products (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.dow-dupont.com), has launched a new anti-squeak additive for automotive interior applications at the “Chinaplas” 2018 trade fair, which is being held from 24-27 April in Shanghai. The silicone-based technology, which is the first in a new product family, is designed for use in PC/ABS blends and is said to provide excellent anti-squeak performance without the need for post-treatments that can negatively affect cost, design freedom and processing efficiency.

The US company also exhibited two families of “TPSiV” silicone-based thermoplastic elastomers that are said to offer a soft, silky feel along with outstanding flexibility, without needing additives. The materials have strong adhesion to selected polymer substrates for overmoulding applications.

Several other silicone additives are displayed at the fair, including two slip additives that enhance flow properties in PA compounds. Dow Corning masterbatches “MB50-011” and “HMB-1103” reduce coefficient of friction to improve processing and wear resistance. A third additive, “HMB-0221” is both an anti-scratch surface agent and a processing aid that is claimed to deliver improved quality, feel and appearance in automotive interiors, as well as enhanced processability.