Moldable Rubber for Pool Toy? 1

[AXNRXN]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some recommendations for a moldable rubber material to be used for a handle on a swimming pool toy. It has to be good in chlorinated water, sun, and pretty durable. Also, the current material gets all dirty and sticky with use...anything out there guard against that? I suppose kids just don't wash the ice cream off their hands...

Natural or synthetic rubbers or TPEs should all be game. I did find a little info on chlorinated rubber which might fit the bill.

Thanks for any help!
--> Karl

 

[Compositepro]

Flexible PVC is used for making tool handles and pool liners. The processing is simple and versatile.

 

[GrahamBennett]

It's probably the chlorination in the water that's making the current model sticky. PVC (SG = >1) is a good choice if you don't mind it sinking. Chloroprene (Neoprene) rubber should be OK too.

 

[tom1953]

I'd think EPDM, properly formulated, would be a good choice as it has excellent weatherability characteristics.

I don't think chloroprene (neoprene) would be as good for weatherability (UV and ozone resistance) especially in white/non-black materials, and, in my experience, white compounds tend to yellow somewhat in sunlight.

tom

 

[GrahamBennett]

I agree Tom - I hadn't noticed the UV/ozone resistance requirement.

 

[AXNRXN]

Right on, Guys! Thanks for the help. I'll look into all the suggestions. Keep em' coming.

---> Karl

 

[AXNRXN]

Any thoughts on castable polyurethane elastomers?

http://www.jobstinc.com/Material/castable_polyurethane_elastomers.htm

Differences between the EPDM?

 

[tom1953]

I don't work with cast urethanes, but from working with my company's millable urethanes, you can get excellent weathering with the right polymer and with the right UV stabilizers. Also, polyester urethanes are not good for water exposure, as they tend to degrade (hydrolyze). There are hydrolysis stabilizers, but they're very expensive and only protect until they're used up. Polyether urethanes are much better for water resistance than polyesters, but they'll still show some effect from water.

If you're evaluating cast urethanes, get one that's recommended for weathering and water resistance.

Hope this helps.



Tom Jablonowski, TSE Industries, Inc.

http://www.tse-industries.com