Teknor Apex, Arkema in breathable construction film deal

Pawtucket, Rhode Island – Teknor Apex Co. and Arkema Inc. have formed an alliance to broaden the range of breathable films for housewrap. The products will be based on a combination of Arkema’s Pebax thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with Teknor Apex’s plant-derived Terraloy bioplastic.

By varying the biopolymer content, Teknor Apex said it had developed multiple grades of the blend, which can be used to produce films with various levels of moisture permeability. Such films can be bonded with nonwoven fabrics to form housewraps that allow moisture vapour to escape from homes, preventing mold and mildew, yet remain waterproof.

Terraloy compounds enable manufacturers to partially or completely replace traditional plastics while retaining important processing and end use properties, according to the materials supplier.

“Working cooperatively with Arkema, Teknor Apex has extended the applicability of Pebax elastomer in building and construction while retaining its capabilities as a lightweight, versatile, high-performance plastic,” said Edwin Tam, manager of new strategic initiatives for the bioplastics division of Teknor Apex.

Adding biopolymer to Pebax has broadened its breathability characteristics while maintaining good adhesion to fabric, said Laurent Cartier, Arkema’s Pebax TPE sales and business development manager.