As a part of the improvement of performance and functions in its thermoplastic elastomer products "SEPTON", "HYBRAR" and "KURAMILON", Kuraray has developed a new thermoplastic elastomer, "Q polymer." This can produce lightweight polymer alloys with excellent abrasion resistance, scratch resistance and hydrolysis resistance characteristics.

Hydrogenated styrene thermoplastic elastomers, "SEPTON" and "HYBRAR," can be easily molded like various plastic products, while being characterized by rubber-like elasticity, and widely used as soft material replacing vulcanized rubber and soft polyvinyl chloride. According to Kuraray's estimate, currently there is a 120,000-ton demand in the global market with demand expanding approximately 10% per year. On the other hand, "KURAMILON" thermoplastic polyurethane is an elastomer based on polyurethane, and it has excellent abrasion resistance, tensile strength, oil resistance and ozone resistance characteristics.

Using the excellent compatibility of "Q polymer" with various resins, mechanical properties, abrasion resistance and scratch resistance were significantly improved for "SEPTON"-based compounds with Kuraray's alloy technology for various thermoplastic resins. Compared to "KURAMILON", it has amazing lightweight characteristics, adhesion over olefinic materials and superior hydrolysis resistance.

Currently, a pilot-scale test production framework of a few hundred tons per year for "Q polymer" has been established, with the aim of commencing full-scale commercial operations in 2010. Kuraray expects wide application in such markets as auto parts like weather strips, braiding materials, surface materials of seats and door trims, air bag case covers, wires and cables, electric and electronics components and a variety of sporting goods, and aims to expand it to a few thousand tons in a few years.