Abstract
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a kind of new automotive interior material with high elasticity and strength. Traditional TPE materials were difficult to meet the new requirements of large-scale automotive interior parts with complex shape. In this study, the TPE material was prepared using different mass ratios with homopolymer polypropylene (PP), styrene-ethylene/butene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), naphthene oil (NO), magnesium stearate (MGST), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A quality-prediction and multiobjective optimization method based on a genetic algorithm was applied. The parameters that had an important effect on the forming quality were selected using an orthogonal testing method. Results showed that using the proposed method, a new TPE material is obtained with excellent scratch resistance ability and high MFI. The mechanisms of the addition of PTFE and MGST were analysed according to SEM images. The peel strength of the optimized part was measured to prove the coating quality of TPE material.
Highlights
Soft tactile interior has great advantages in visual and tactile aspects, which became the mainstream of interior materials in the automotive field
(Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II). Detailed algorithm of this method can be found in our previous paper, but the difference is in Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material here
Optimization can be performed based on the mass ratios of styrene-ethylene/butene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), PP, naphthene oil (NO), magnesium stearate (MGST), and PTFE
Summary
Soft tactile interior has great advantages in visual and tactile aspects, which became the mainstream of interior materials in the automotive field. Compared with traditional forming methods, this process has positive effects of low cost, high production efficiency and material utilization rate It can improve the design freedom of the products [5, 6]. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a new material with low density, soft surface, and high elasticity and strength, which can be formed using injection. It is widely used as small interior decoration cladding parts such as automobiles and aeronautics. Sengupta et al [16, 17] studied the effects of compositions and processing conditions on the morphology and properties of SEBS/PP/oil thermoplastic elastomer blends. The peel strength of the optimized part was carried out to prove the coating quality of TPE material
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
