What is ESPOLEX™?

ESPOLEX™ is a high‑performance thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) developed by Sumitomo Chemical by combining our proprietary formulation technology with advanced compounding expertise built up over many years.
Unlike conventional vulcanized rubber, ESPOLEX™ does not require complex processing steps such as compounding, kneading, and vulcanization. It can be processed by injection molding and extrusion just like plastics.

Thanks to its excellent recyclability, ESPOLEX™ delivers both environmental performance and cost efficiency, and is widely used in a broad range of fields including automobiles, home appliances, and everyday consumer goods.

Why ESPOLEX™?

1. Excellent processability and cost efficiency

• No vulcanization process is required, which greatly shortens the molding cycle.
• Scrap and offcuts can be recycled back into the process, reducing material waste.
• Contributes to a significant reduction in total production cost.

2. Lightweight and design flexibility

• Lower specific gravity than vulcanized rubber, directly contributing to lighter products.
• Easily colorable, enabling brand‑specific colors and highly sophisticated designs.
• Supports molding of complex geometries, offering greater freedom in product design.

3. Environmental compatibility

• The lineup focuses on grades that are free of chlorine and other halogens.
• As a recyclable material, ESPOLEX™ offers outstanding environmental compatibility.

4. Extensive product lineup

• A wide range of grades is available, from automotive and general industrial applications to specialized flame‑retardant grades.
• Enables optimal material selection tailored to each specific application.

Representative Grades

Item		Unit	Extrusion molding			Injection molding
			820A	822D	817A	901A	907A	903A
MFR 230℃ 21.18N		g/10min	1.1	1.0	1.5	8.0	9.2	5.0
Durometer hardness (Type A)		-	83	93	-	93	-	-
Durometer hardness (Type D)		-	-	34	58	43	53	61
Flexural modulus		MPa	‐	‐	‐	150	300	600
Density		-	884	888	886	889	886	903
Tensile properties JIS No. 3 dumbbell 200 mm/min	Stress at 100% elongation (yield stress)	MPa	4.3	4.1	15	(7.5)	(14)	(18)
	Tensile strength at break	MPa	13	15	37	14	19	17
	Elongation at break	MPa	990	950	820	610	500	470
Main Applications			Sheets Water supply and drainage hoses Duct hoses			Automotive exterior parts (mudguards / step mats) Recreational products Knobs

Item		Unit	SB2400	SB2610	SB2710
MFR 230℃ 21.18N		g/10min	0.5	1.5	1.7
Durometer hardness (Type A)		-	45	60	75
Impact strength -40℃		-	P	P	P
Compression set 70℃×22hrs		%	35	36	43
Density		-	900	900	900
Tensile properties JIS No. 3 dumbbell 200 mm/min	100% modulus	MPa	1.4	2.2	2.9
	Tensile strength at break	MPa	7.1	7.5	10.1
	Elongation at break	MPa	770	750	750
Main Applications			Grips, gaskets Seals, knobs, mats

• The above data are typical values and are not guaranteed specifications.
• For the 800 series, tensile properties were measured at 23℃ using extruded sheet, while the other properties were measured at 23℃ using compression‑molded test specimens.
• For the 900 and SB series, all properties were measured at 23℃ using injection‑molded test specimens.

Applications & Use Cases

The flexibility of ESPOLEX™ enables it to perform in a wide variety of everyday situations.

Automotive field

• Interior parts: airbag covers, interior skins, grips, etc.
• Exterior parts: glass‑run channels, weatherstrips, side moldings, etc.

Consumer & industrial products

• Packings/seals, pen grips, various knobs, tubes, sheets, water supply and drainage hoses, duct hoses, and more.

Inquiry