描述
Santoprene 101-45W255 is a soft, black thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) from Celanese developed specifically for residential washing machine and dishwasher applications.
The most important feature of this grade is its resistance to the combined effects of detergents and metal-catalyzed degradation. Celanese states that the material contains a dedicated stabilization system that helps protect the compound against degradation catalyzed by copper and other metals.
This makes Santoprene 101-45W255 especially relevant for appliance components located close to metal fittings, clamps, copper-containing assemblies or other metallic hardware while also being exposed to washing detergents, hot water and repeated cleaning cycles.
The grade belongs to the Santoprene TPV family, which combines rubber-like flexibility and elastic recovery with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. Unlike conventional thermoset rubber, Santoprene TPV can be processed on conventional thermoplastic equipment.
Celanese specifically identifies injection molding, multi-injection molding, extrusion, sheet extrusion and coextrusion as supported processes for Santoprene 101-45W255.
The material is also polyolefin based and Celanese states that it is recyclable within the manufacturing stream. This can simplify scrap handling during molding and extrusion compared with fully crosslinked thermoset rubber, subject to normal process-control requirements.
The grade has a Shore A hardness of approximately 48, placing it in the soft-elastomer range. This softness is useful for seals, flexible interfaces, gaskets and appliance components that need conformability rather than high structural stiffness.
Current mechanical data lists approximately 400% elongation at break, a tensile stress at break of approximately 4.0 MPa, and a tensile stress at 100% elongation of approximately 1.4 MPa.
The combination of high elongation and low hardness allows the material to deform substantially while maintaining elastomeric behavior.
Santoprene 101-45W255 is also UL recognized. Current Celanese documentation references QMFZ2.E80017 and QMFZ8.E80017, covering plastics-component recognition in the United States and Canada.
For flammability, the current datasheet reports HB at 1.7 mm under IEC 60695-11-10 / UL 94-related evaluation. The material is therefore not positioned as a flame-retardant TPV grade, but it does have documented horizontal-burn behavior.
Current FMVSS-related data lists Class B under ISO 3795 / FMVSS 302, with a burning rate of approximately 37.3 mm/min at 2 mm thickness.
The material density is approximately 0.98 g/cm³, which is typical of polyolefin-based TPV and helps keep molded appliance components relatively lightweight.
For more TPV materials, visit our TPV Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Product Category →.
For Celanese’s current grade portfolio, see the Official Celanese Santoprene & Geolast TPV Product Finder →.
Key Features of Santoprene 101-45W255
| Feature | Engineering Benefit |
|---|---|
| Soft TPV – Shore A 48 | Suitable for flexible seals, gaskets and compliant appliance components |
| Detergent Resistance | Designed to retain properties in typical washing-machine and dishwasher detergents |
| Metal-Catalyzed Degradation Protection | Stabilized against copper and other metal-catalyzed degradation |
| High Elongation | Approx. 400% elongation at break supports flexible sealing geometries |
| Thermoplastic Processing | Can be injection molded or extruded on conventional equipment |
| Coextrusion Capability | Supports multi-material profile and sealing constructions |
| UL Recognized | Current Celanese documentation references QMFZ2.E80017 and QMFZ8.E80017 |
| Polyolefin Based | Provides low density and practical TPV processing behavior |
| Manufacturing-Stream Recyclability | Process scrap can be recyclable within controlled manufacturing streams |
| Black Color | Suitable for appliance seals and technical components where black appearance is desired |
| Shear-Dependent Flow | Higher shear lowers apparent melt viscosity and improves flow |
| Wide TPV Processing Window | Santoprene TPV processing guidance spans a broad temperature range |
The defining advantage of Santoprene 101-45W255 is the combination of soft sealing behavior, detergent resistance and protection against copper/metal-catalyzed degradation.
Typical Applications for Santoprene 101-45W255
Santoprene 101-45W255 is designed primarily for residential appliance applications.
| Application Area | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Washing Machine Seals | Flexible seals exposed to detergents, water and repeated cycles |
| Dishwasher Seals | Gaskets and flexible interfaces exposed to detergent solutions |
| Appliance Gaskets | Compressible sealing parts around doors, housings and fluid paths |
| Flexible Appliance Components | Soft-touch or compliant technical components |
| Metal-Contact Seals | Components located near copper or other metal hardware |
| Coextruded Sealing Profiles | TPV layer in multi-material appliance profiles |
| Injection-Molded Seals | Molded sealing and damping components |
| Sheet / Profile Components | Extruded elastomeric sections requiring detergent resistance |
The strongest application fit is where detergent exposure and nearby metal components occur at the same time.
Typical Properties of Santoprene 101-45W255
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 980 kg/m³ / 0.980 g/cm³ | ISO 1183 |
| Specific Gravity | Approx. 0.978 | ASTM D792 |
| Shore A Hardness, 15 s | 48 | ISO 48-4 / ISO 868 |
| Color | Black | Manufacturer information |
| Delivery Form | Pellets | Manufacturer information |
| Resin Identification | TPV | ISO 1043 |
| Part Marking Code | >TPV< | ISO 11469 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Stress at 100% Elongation, Perpendicular | 1.4 MPa | ISO 37 |
| Tensile Stress at Break, Perpendicular | 4.0 MPa | ISO 527-1/-2 or ISO 37 |
| Elongation at Break, Perpendicular | 400% | ISO 527-1/-2 or ISO 37 |
| Shore A Hardness | 48 | ISO 48-4 / ISO 868 |
Flammability Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Burning Behavior | HB | IEC 60695-11-10 |
| Thickness Tested | 1.7 mm | IEC 60695-11-10 |
| UL Recognition | Yes | UL 94 |
| FMVSS Class | B | ISO 3795 / FMVSS 302 |
| Burning Rate at 2 mm | 37.3 mm/min | ISO 3795 / FMVSS 302 |
Detergent & Metal-Stability Performance
Celanese does not publish a single numerical detergent-resistance value in the current datasheet. Instead, the manufacturer specifically states property retention in the presence of typical dishwasher and washing-machine detergents and stabilization against copper and other metal-catalyzed degradation.
These two grade-specific capabilities are the core technical reason to select Santoprene 101-45W255 over a generic soft Santoprene grade for appliance sealing.
Why Choose Santoprene 101-45W255?
The main reason to select Santoprene 101-45W255 is that it is not simply a soft 48 Shore A TPV. It is a specialized appliance grade.
Washing machines and dishwashers create a difficult environment for elastomeric materials. Components may be exposed to water, detergent chemistry, temperature cycling, mechanical compression and nearby metallic hardware.
A generic elastomer may perform well initially but suffer property loss when certain detergents and metal ions accelerate oxidative degradation.
Santoprene 101-45W255 addresses this problem with a stabilization system designed specifically to protect against copper and other metal-catalyzed degradation.
At the same time, its 400% elongation at break provides the flexibility needed for gaskets and seals that must deform during assembly or operation.
The 48 Shore A hardness gives the material a soft, compliant feel suitable for sealing surfaces that need to conform to mating parts.
Thermoplastic processability is another major advantage. Conventional vulcanized rubber may require mixing, curing and longer cycle times. Santoprene TPV can be molded or extruded on standard thermoplastic equipment.
The grade also supports coextrusion, which can be useful for appliance profiles combining a rigid substrate with a soft sealing section.
Manufacturing-stream recyclability can also reduce internal scrap waste when regrind use is technically controlled and permitted by the production specification.
For appliance manufacturers looking for a soft black TPV specifically designed around detergent exposure and metal-contact stability, Santoprene 101-45W255 is much more targeted than a general-purpose 45–50 Shore A elastomer.
Processing Guidelines for Santoprene 101-45W255
Santoprene 101-45W255 can be processed by injection molding, multi-injection molding, extrusion, sheet extrusion and coextrusion.
Grade-Specific Injection Conditions
| Processing Parameter | Celanese Guidance |
|---|---|
| Drying | Recommended |
| Drying Temperature | 80°C |
| Drying Time | ≥3 hours in a dehumidified dryer |
| Processing Moisture Content | ≤0.08% |
| Optimum Melt Temperature | 200°C |
| Minimum Melt Temperature | 185°C |
| Maximum Melt Temperature | 220°C |
| Optimum Mold Temperature | 30°C |
| Minimum Mold Temperature | 10°C |
| Maximum Mold Temperature | 50°C |
| Recommended Screw Speed | 100–200 rpm |
| Holding Pressure | Approx. 50–75% of actual injection pressure |
| Optional Back Pressure | Approx. 0.3–0.7 MPa |
Celanese recommends drying the material for approximately 3 hours at 80°C.
The manufacturer also notes a broader Santoprene TPV processing window of approximately 175–230°C, but the grade-specific injection window of 185–220°C and optimum of 200°C should be the more relevant starting point for Santoprene 101-45W255.
Shear-Dependent Flow Behavior
Santoprene TPV has relatively high melt viscosity at low shear rates. Its apparent viscosity falls as shear rate increases. Higher shear can therefore improve flow more effectively than simply raising melt temperature.
Celanese notes that smaller gates and higher shear rates can help keep melt viscosity low and improve mold filling.
Material Compatibility During Processing
Celanese states that Santoprene TPV is incompatible with acetal (POM) and PVC.
Processors changing from POM or PVC to Santoprene 101-45W255 should therefore use an appropriate purge and avoid contamination in the barrel, screw, hot runner or extrusion line.
Santoprene 101-45W255 vs. Santoprene 101-55W255
| Feature | Santoprene 101-45W255 | Santoprene 101-55W255 |
|---|---|---|
| Material Family | TPV | TPV |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Special Stabilization | Copper / metal-catalyzed degradation protection | Copper / metal-catalyzed degradation protection |
| Detergent Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Shore A Hardness | 48 | 61 |
| Elongation at Break | 400% | 510% |
| Tensile Strength at Break | 4.0 MPa | 5.2 MPa |
| Tensile Stress at 100% Elongation | 1.4 MPa | 1.8 MPa |
| Main Selection Difference | Softer, more compliant sealing | Higher hardness and tensile strength |
Both grades belong to Celanese’s food, water and detergent resistant TPV group and use stabilization against copper and other metal-catalyzed degradation.
Choose Santoprene 101-45W255 when the application needs a softer 48 Shore A seal.
Choose Santoprene 101-55W255 when the design requires higher hardness and greater tensile strength.
Related Products
Santoprene 101-55W255 – Black detergent-resistant TPV with approximately 61 Shore A hardness and the same copper/metal-catalyzed degradation protection concept.
Santoprene 201-55W255 – Natural-color detergent-resistant TPV with metal-catalyzed degradation stabilization.
Santoprene 241-55 – Natural TPV with NSF 51 and NSF 61 positioning for food-equipment and potable-water applications.
View More TPV Thermoplastic Vulcanizates →
Technical Documents for Santoprene 101-45W255
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| TDS | Current Celanese physical, mechanical, flammability and processing data |
| SDS | Safety Data Sheet |
| UL Information | QMFZ2.E80017 / QMFZ8.E80017 recognition context |
| Santoprene Product Finder | Celanese TPV grade comparison and application guide |
| Processing Guide | Injection-molding and extrusion guidance |
| COA | Batch-specific quality information where available |
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FAQ About Santoprene 101-45W255
Q1: What is Santoprene 101-45W255?
Santoprene 101-45W255 is a soft black TPV from Celanese designed for residential washing-machine and dishwasher applications.
Q2: What is the Shore hardness of Santoprene 101-45W255?
The current Shore A hardness is approximately 48 after a 15-second reading.
Q3: Is Santoprene 101-45W255 detergent resistant?
Yes. Celanese specifically states that the grade retains properties in the presence of typical dishwasher and washing-machine detergents.
Q4: Why is Santoprene 101-45W255 stabilized against copper?
Copper and certain other metals can catalyze polymer degradation. This grade contains a stabilization system designed to improve resistance to that mechanism.
Q5: What is the elongation at break?
Current Celanese data lists approximately 400% elongation at break.
Q6: What is the tensile strength?
The current tensile stress at break is approximately 4.0 MPa, with approximately 1.4 MPa stress at 100% elongation.
Q7: Can Santoprene 101-45W255 be injection molded?
Yes. Injection molding and multi-injection molding are listed by Celanese, along with extrusion, sheet extrusion and coextrusion.
Q8: What processing temperature should be used?
The grade-specific injection recommendation is 185–220°C, with an optimum melt temperature of approximately 200°C.
Q9: Does Santoprene 101-45W255 need drying?
Yes. Celanese recommends drying at approximately 80°C for at least 3 hours in a dehumidified dryer, with processing moisture content at or below 0.08%.
Q10: What is the difference between Santoprene 101-45W255 and 101-55W255?
Both are black detergent-resistant TPV grades with metal-catalyzed degradation stabilization. 101-45W255 is softer at Shore A 48, while 101-55W255 is harder at approximately Shore A 61 and has higher tensile strength.
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