In plastic-modified rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), EPM/EPDM is the main component and is responsible for the required physical properties of the end product.

The elastomer component should provide:

TPEs provide functional performance and properties similar to conventional thermoset rubber products, but can be processed with the speed, efficiency and economy of thermoplastics.

The plastic phase imparts stiffness to the blends, enables plastic-like processing and recyclability, and eliminates the need for vulcanization. Keltan®/ polyolefin blends are finding growing applications in areas such as automotive parts, consumer products, wire and cable, building and construction and mechanical goods. The automotive sector is currently the largest market for these materials. Examples include soft exterior parts, such as fascia covers, air ducts, body side moldings, window and body seals.

EPM/EPDM polymers are increasingly used as impact modifiers for plastics such as polyolefins. These thermoplastic olefins (TPO) exhibit superior flexibility and impact strength. Typical Keltan® modified plastics applications are bumpers, bottles, boxes, toys and films. The rubber fraction in the blend is usually kept to a minimum - at most 40 % - to maintain the plastic’s other physical properties and processing characteristics. Special EPM grafted with maleic anhydride products are being used for the impact modification of Engineered Plastics, such as PA6 and PA66.