During the 1990s, EPDM was the elastomer of choice for 95% of dynamic and semi-dynamic automotive sealing applications. But as the decade closed, the spotlight focused on a new material that performed like EPDM, yet processed with the ease of plastic. As a compound of EPDM and polypropylene, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) offer OEMs the promise of performance enhancements, cost and weight reductions, recyclability, and new processing efficiencies.

Leading this transition is Jyco’s trademarked TPV called Jyflex™. Unlike open cell EPDM, closed cell JyFlex™ TPV is virtually moisture-proof (<.1% absorption). It’s as soft and flexible as rubber, yet forms with the ease and economies of plastic. With the 2005 introduction of JyBond™ corner molding technology, Jyco was the first supplier to tightly bond injection-molded corners to TPV foam extrusions for glass run channel and primary body seals.