Patent ID: 11447624

Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to TPV compositions suitable for foaming, as well as foamed TPV compositions, methods of making the foregoing, and applications of various foamed TPV compositions, including in glass run channels. The TPV compositions comprise an at least partially vulcanized rubber component dispersed within a thermoplastic component comprising a first thermoplastic resin. According to some aspects, the TPV composition may be combined with a high melt-strength thermoplastic resin, and in particular a high melt-strength polypropylene-based thermoplastic resin, to make a foamable TPV composition. The foamable TPV composition (with or without high melt-strength thermoplastic resin) is then coextruded or otherwise combined with foaming agent (preferably comprising thermo-expandable microspheres) to form the foamed composition. Foamed compositions according to various aspects are suitable for use in glass run channels for automobiles, and in particular in the base and/or sidewall portions of such glass run channels.