Things are looking swell for Elasto UK

Elasto UK, part of the Hexpol TPE group, has reported a growing demand for its Dryflex WS range of hydrophilic or 'water swellable' TPEs.

Dryflex WS is a range of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), which contain hydrophilic particles. They swell at a controlled rate and percentage, with swell rates from 300 to 1000 percent when immersed in water. When there is no longer water present the compound shrinks back to its original size, a process that can be repeated an almost unlimited number of times.

"The Dryflex WS compounds have been a real innovation success for Elasto UK,” explained Managing Director, Dominic Philpot. “They were developed to address an industry demand and have seen year on year growth since they were introduced.”

Dryflex WS materials are used in applications to form a positive seal and prevent the ingress or exit of water. Elasto UK has also developed softer grades that it says offer excellent drapability. They can be used in water stop applications where the profiles may be coiled or need to be fitted around complex structures.

Compounded in any colour, the water swellable TPEs are 100 percent recyclable and can be processed using conventional plastic fabricating methods, including extrusion and injection moulding. Applications include waterstops, water treatment plants, tunnels, drains, water tanks and seals.

“The rapid upturn we have seen in the UK construction sector over recent months is also fuelling demand for these products, mirrored by a growing global trend and escalation in the sign-off of infrastructure and new construction investments. The Dryflex WS compounds are being used in a number of large scale construction projects in Europe and Asia,” Philpot added.