Abstract: Microspherical fillers are used to increase the scratch resistance of thermoplastic vulcanizates in extruded profiles while providing aesthetically attractive surface effects. The thermoplastic vulcanizates comprise a thermoplastic phase and a rubber that is at least partially cross-linked by dynamic vulcanization. The fillers can be added by melt blending with the pre-formed thermoplastic vulcanizate. An attractive, granite-like appearance can be achieved with enhanced scratch resistance that is particularly suitable as automotive interior or exterior trim parts.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition has a plastic phase or matrix of an engineering thermoplastic such as an ester polymer and a crosslinked phase of self-cured acrylic rubber particles. The rubber particles are the reaction product of at least one functionalized acrylic rubber self-cured by a different functionalized acrylic rubber wherein the functional groups are generally a carboxyl, an epoxy, or hydroxyl, and the like. The composition can be dynamically vulcanized in the presence of an accelerator and desirably has a single low temperature brittle point.