We, Asahi Kasei are the world leading supplier of SEBS polymers, developing cutting-edge new products based on our original polymer design technology.

Our SEBS polymers named "Tuftec" and "SOE" have been used for a wide variety of applications such as medical devices, automotive interior/exterior parts, footwear, food packaging, cable sheathing and so forth around the globe.

The Institute of Material Engineering at the University of Kassel is divided into two departments: Metal Engineering and Polymer Engineering. Since 2008 Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Peter Heim has been head of the department Polymer Engineering. The field of work focuses on plastic process technology, functions and digitalisation and materials and structures.     

UNIpace is a practice-oriented application center and belongs to the department of Polymer Engineering. The task is to carry out industry-related research and to be a service provider for industry. This polymer application center mainly deals with the processing of elastomers and especially silicone rubber. Liquid silicone rubber (=LSR) is processed in the injection molding process, multi-component injection molding process in combination with various thermoplastics and in the LAM-process. High consistency rubber (=HCR) is preprocessed by the help of a mixer and normally processed during extrusion or compression molding. In addition to the processing machines, there are the following testing devices: rebound elasticity, hardness, tear strength, IR spectroscopy, capillary rheometer, RPA, climate chamber and FTIR.

Nowadays UNIpace has 7 scientific assistants, 3 technical staff members and numerous student associates. The application center works together with over 30 companies worldwide.

For more information, see www.unipace.de