DSM Elastomers (Sittard / The Netherlands; www.dsmelastomers.com) has introduced a new range of “Keltan” EPDM grades, produced with high quality colourless paraffinic oil, instead of yellow paraffinic oil. The first of the new grades, “Keltan 4551A”, is currently under commercial approval at customers and is expected to be commercially available from September 2008. Test results indicate that the product offers improved efficiency in peroxide curing and is suitable for a wide range of applications including low hardness profiles, hoses, seals and bellows.

DSM said that the use of yellow paraffinic oil will be phased out over the next year. It claims that the new white grades offer same benefits as standard yellow oil grades and the specifications and main characteristics remain unchanged.