WO2018234377A1

WO2018234377A1 - Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer for adhesion to polyamide

Info

Publication number: WO2018234377A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/066401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Koji Sakamoto
Original assignee: Basf Se
Priority date: 2017-06-21
Filing date: 2018-06-20
Publication date: 2018-12-27
Also published as: JP2020524729A; JP7158423B2

Abstract

An elastomeric composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane (A), SBS (B), SEBS (C), a plasticizer (D) was obtained. The amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the total amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

Description

Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer for adhesion to polyamide

The present invention relates to an elastomeric composition comprising as a main component, a thermoplastic polyurethane, SBS and SEBS, having an excellent adhesion to an article made of polyamide.

Thermoplastic materials or the composition have widely different ranges of physical properties, and are selected for special applications, with properties of the materials taken into account. Polyamide (such as PA6 and PA66) is also widely used for the productions of solid members/items such as a body of power tools such as an electric drill, electric saw and nailing machine, because molded polyamides are excellent in terms of rigidity, resistant to heat, chemicals, and impact.

On the other hand, the polyamides tools are too rigid to hold for a long period of time, in the course of mechanical operations including drilling, sawing and nailing under the vibration of the heavy tools. In order to impart a soft touch or a cushion property to the tools, especially to the grip part of the tools, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) including thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) or thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPS), e.g., in the form of a sheet is overlaid to the tool or the grip thereof. In other words, TPO or TPS is applied as another layer to the grip part, based on the good adhesion property of these elastomers to polyamides (e.g. PA6).

In the above-mentioned application, TPS has good adhesion properties (bonding strength). However, TPS tends to be worn out or damaged during a relatively short term of use, since TPS does not have sufficient durability to friction. As for TPO, the durability is usually sufficient for the practical use, but TPO often does not exhibit excellent bonding strength to the substrate with a complexed shape including convex and/or concave parts, especially of polyamide. TPO layer is gradually peeled off from such substrate for a certain period of use.

Moreover, both TPO and TPS are still not perfectly comfortable in terms of touch (feelings), for the users of the power tools, e.g. craftsmen who daily use the tools for a long period of time. For improving the properties such as adhesion properties, and touch (softness) of the thermoplastic compositions, JP-B 5203985 discloses a blend comprising a block copolymer of a styrene and diene monomers, and a thermoplastic polyurethane, to which a conventional plasticiz- er, cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid alkyl ester is added. However, the thermoplastic compositions in JP-B 5203985, after being cured, are not durable enough to repetitious use, showing an easy wear-out tendency.

Other compositions which can be used as a material for a layer on a polyamide substance, are disclosed in US 8,193,273. The composition in US 8,193,273 includes two kinds of elastomeric polymers, and show reasonable adhesion property. However, the composition requires a lot of components as well as additives for the formulation, and complex blending procedure is necessitated, making the production of the composition difficult. Further, the composition of US 8,193,273 can be used for limited purpose because of the small flowability. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an elastomeric composition having improved bonding strength with respect to an item (also referred to as "substrate) to be covered with the elastomeric composition, particularly with respect to polyamide or polyamide-based items, imparting soft or comfortable touch as well as good durability after being cured, without imparting mechanical properties and flowability.

It was found by the inventor of the present invention that the above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by an elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

- SBS (B),

SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weigh, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

An elastomeric composition of the invention comprises

- a thermoplastic polyurethane as component (A),

a block copolymer SBS as component (B),

a block copolymer SEBS as component (C), and

a plasticizer as component (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weigh, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition. According to a further embodiment, the present invention is also directed to an elastomeric composition of the invention comprises

a thermoplastic polyurethane as component (A),

a block copolymer SBS as component (B),

a block copolymer SEBS as component (C), and

- a plasticizer as component (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, preferably in the range of from 40 to 69 parts by weight, or in the range of 38 to 68 parts by weight, preferably in the range of from 40 to 68 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weigh, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition of the invention may further comprises a lubricant (E) in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition. The thermoplastic polyurethane (A) according to the present invention is thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethanes (TPU), preferably having a soft segment and a hard segment, prepared from structural components, e.g. polyols, and isocyanates.

The above-mentioned structural components are subjected to a reaction with each other by the addition of a catalyst, and/or necessary additives.

Herein, the "hard segment" in the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) refers to : a moiety derived from one or more isocyanates, i.e., aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic, and/or aromatic isocyanates having e.g. two or more isocyanate groups (e.g., di-, tri-, tet- ra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-isocyanates), more preferably diisocyanates (isocyanate having two isocyanate groups) , such as aliphatic diisocyanate including octamethylene diisocya- nate, 2-methylpentamethylene 1 ,5-diisocyanate, 2-ethylbutylene 1 ,4-diisocyanate, pen- tamethylene 1 ,5-diisocyanate, and butylene 1 ,4-diisocyanate, hexamethylene

1 ,6-diisocyanate (HDI); alicyclic isocyanate including

1 ,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, and/or 1 ,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (HXDI) cyclohexane 1 ,4-diisocyanate, 1-methylcyclohexane 2,4- and/or 2, 6-diisocyanate, and/or dicyclohexylmethane 4,4'-, 2,4'-, and 2,2'-diisocyanate (H12 MDI); - aromatic diisocyanate including diphenylmethane 2,2'-, 2,4'-, and/or 4,4'-diisocyanate

(MDI), naphthylene 1 ,5-diisocyanate (NDI), tolylene 2,4- and/or 2, 6-diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate, dimethyldiphenyl 3,3'-diisocyanate, 1 ,2-diphenylethane diisocyanate, and/or phenylene diisocyanate; or - a moiety derived from a reaction of any one or more of the above-mentioned isocyanate and a chain extender.

Preference is given to selection of the isocyanate (a) from hexamethylene 1 ,6-diisocyanate (HDI), diphenylmethane 4,4'-diisocyanate (MDI), the mixture of dicyclohexylmethane 4,4'-, 2,4'-, and 2,2'-diisocyanate (H12 MDI), and/or the mixture of diphenylmethane 4,4'-, 2,4'-, and 2,2'-diisocyanate (MDI), particularly preferably to diphenylmethane 4,4'-diisocyanate (MDI). The "soft segment" in the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) includes the moieties derived from at least one of the following polyols having an average functionality of from 1 .8 to 2.3, preferably of from 1.9 to 2.2, in particular 2. It is further preferable that the polyol have only primary hydroxy groups.

The specific examples for the polyols are as follows: polyols having straight or branched alkylene chain, such as butanediol, pentanediol, or hexanediol, or a mixture thereof;

- polycarbonate diols (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra-ols, preferably di- or tri-ols, particularly diols) based preferably based on butanediol, pentanediol, or hexanediol, or a mixture thereof, preference being given to 1 ,4-butanediol, 1 ,5-pentanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, or a mixture thereof; polycarbonate diols based on butanediol and hexanediol, polycarbonate diols based on pentanediol and hexanediol, polycarbonate diols based on hexanediol, and mixtures of two or more of these polycarbonate diols;

polyether polyols (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra-ols, preferably di- or tri-ols, particularly diols) based on alkylene glycols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, polyester polyols (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra-ols, preferably di- or tri-ols, particularly diols) based on (polycarboxylates), if necessary in combination with alkylene chain, particularly those represented by the following formula (I):

wherein

R is a residue of alkylene glycols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, including those selected from a group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, hexylene glycol, in particular ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, or hexylene glycol wherein the plurality of R in formula (I) can be the same or dif- ferent from each other,

R' is a residue of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, including those selected from a group consisting of oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid, do- decandioic acid, or aromatic dicarboxylic acid having 8 to 14 carbon atoms, including those selected from a group consisting of phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, naphthalenedicarbxylic acid, in particular succinic acid adipic acid sebacic acid and phthalic acid, and

n is in the range of 1 to 3, preferably 2 or 3.

The thermoplastic polyurethane (A) for use in the present invention are preferably those with Shore A hardness below 95, preferably from 70 to 95 Shore A, more preferably from 75 to 94 Shore A, having a molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 700 to 2500, preferably in the range of 1000 to 2000.

The preferable examples of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) for use in the present invention are thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethanes as a product obtained by a reaction of at least one polyester polyol with at least one isocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups, more preferably a reaction product obtained from hexamethylene 1 ,6-diisocyanate (HDI), diphenylme- thane 4,4'-diisocyanate (MDI), the mixture of dicyclohexylmethane 4,4'-, 2,4'-, and

2,2'-diisocyanate (H12 MDI), and/or the mixture of diphenylmethane 4,4'-, 2,4'-, and

2,2'-diisocyanate (MDI) with the above mentioned polyester diol of formula (I). The products obtained by the reaction of diphenylmethane 4,4'-diisocyanate (MDI) with poly (butylene adipate) diol, poly (ethylene butylene adipate) diol, and poly (hexylene butylene adipate) diol, especially those obtained from MDI and poly (butane adipate) diol are preferred. The polyols above may be those having a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 800 to 3000.

The thermoplastic polyurethane (A) can be commercially available materials, especially polyurethane derived by use of polyols of formula (I), such as Elastollan (trademark) series manufactured by BASF SE, such as Elastollan S80A, S85A, S90A, C70A,C75A, C80A, C85A,C90A, ET580, ET590, ET680, ET685, ET690.

By way of an example, the starting materials for the synthesis of the polyurethane (A) are polyol components (e.g. compounds of formula (I)) and isocyanate components (e.g., afore mentioned isocyanates having two or more isocyanate groups) as well as chain extenders, preferably with a molar mass of 0.05 x 10³ g/mol to 0.499 x 10³ g/mol . It is also possible to add a catalyst and/or auxiliary agent to the reaction mixture.

In the preparation of thermoplastic polyurethane (A), the equivalents ratio of NCO groups of the isocyanate components to the entirety of the hydroxyl groups of polyol components is from 0.95 to 1 .10:1 , preferably from 0.97 to 1.08:1 , and in particular from 0.98 to 1.05:1.

In one preferred embodiment, there is one isocyanate present, preferably one of the isocyanates mentioned as preferred above; in another preferred embodiment, a plurality of isocyanate is used for the synthesis.

Preferred chain extenders, for synthesizing the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) are aliphatic, aromatic, and/or cycloaliphatic compounds with a molar mass of from 50 g/mol to 499 g/mol, preferably having 2 bonded systems reactive toward isocyanate, which are also described as functional groups. Preferred chains extenders are diamines and/or alkanediols, preference be- ing further given to alkanediols having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkylene moiety, i.e. di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, and/or decaalkylene glycols, which with further preference have only primary hydroxy groups. Particular preference is given to ethylene 1 ,2-glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, and 1 ,6-hexanediol; preference is further given to 1 ,4-butanediol. These chain extenders can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Preferred catalysts, for synthesizing the thermoplastic polyurethane (A), which accelerate the reaction between the NCO groups of the isocyanate components and the hydroxy groups in the polyol components are organic metal compounds such as titanic esters, iron compounds, preferably iron(lll) acetylacetonate, tin compounds, preferably those of carboxylic acids, particularly preferably tin diacetate, tin dioctoate, tin dilaurate, or the dialkyltin salts, preference being further given to dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, or bismuth salts of carboxylic acid, prefera- bly bismuth decanoate and/or bismuth(lll) neodecanoate.

Particularly preferred catalysts are: tin dioctanoate and/or bismuth(lll) neodecanoate, which are preferably also used individually. Preferred quantities applicable to the use of catalysts are from 0.0001 to 0.1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polyol components in preparation of thermoplastic polyurethane (A).

Examples that may be mentioned as the auxiliary agent or additives, besides the plasticizers (D) and lubricant (E), are surface-active substances, fillers, flame retardants, nucleating agents, and mold-release aids, dyes and pigments, optionally stabilizers, preferably in relation to hydrolysis, light, heat, oxidation, or discoloration, inorganic and/or organic fillers, and polymers, preferably polyolefins, polyester, polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polystyrene, and/or styrene copolymers, and/or reinforcing agents. The thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is preferably produced batchwise or continuously via the known processes, for example using reactive extruders or the belt process using the "one-shot" method or the prepolymer method, preferably using the "one-shot" method. In the "one-shot" method, isocyanates components and polyol components, and, if any, the chain extender, the catalyst, and/or the other starting materials, the additional substances and/or auxiliary sub- stances are mixed with one another in succession or simultaneously, whereupon the polymerization reaction immediately begins.

In the extruder process, the isocyanate components and polyol components are also introduced into the extruder individually or as mixture and are reacted, preferably at temperatures of from 150°C to 240°C. The resultant thermoplastic polyurethane is extruded, cooled, and pelletized. It is also possible to use a twin-screw extruder because twin-screw extruders operate with practically no pressure increase, thus permitting more precise adjustment of extruder temperature.

In preferred processes, all the starting materials mainly needed for the production of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) are reacted with one another in a first step, and in a second step the other starting materials such as antioxidants are admixed with the preparation. The thermoplastic polyurethane (A) obtained by the processes described is cooled and pelletized, for facilitating the following operations, e.g., supplement to extrusion, or injection molding, for preparing the elastomeric composition. The elastomeric composition of the present invention includes, as thermoplastic components SBS (B) and SEBS (C).

In the present invention, SBS are block copolymers with the double bonds of the monomers (e.g. styrene and butadiene) being remained, and SEBS are copolymers with the double bonds thereof completely hydrogenated.

Preference is given to using styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) (B), having a butadiene content of from 20 to 60% by weight, preferably from 30 to 50% by weight, which can be partially hydrogenated. These are commercially available, for example, under the trade names Asaprene ®T432 , Asaprene ®T437, Styroflex® 2G66, Styrolux® 3G55, Styroclear® GH62, Kraton® D 1 101 , Kraton® G 1650, Kraton® D 1 155, Tuftec® H1043 or Europren® SOL 6414.

As for styrene-ethylene-butylene block (SEBS) (C), of which butadiene blocks are completely hydrogenated, are available under the trade name, Kraton® G grades, Tuftec® H1041 , Tuftec® H1052.

SBS and SEBS for use in the present invention are copolymers, which can be prepared by using (i) at least one vinyl aromatic monomer to make S block(s) and (ii) at least one conjugated diene monomer to make B block(s). The monomer(s) for each of S block and B block can be a single kind of monomer or a combination of monomers.

Preference is given to SBS and SEBS copolymers in which the total amount of the S block derived from the vinyl aromatic monomer and B block derived from the conjugated diene monomer is 70 weight % or more based on the mass of the entire copolymers.

In the SBS copolymers, B blocks derived from conjugated diene monomer are partially hydrogenated, for instance, to give styrene-butadiene-butylene-styrene copolymers (which can be referred to as SBBS). In the SEBS copolymers, B blocks derived from conjugated diene monomer are completely hydrogenated, for instance, to give styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer.

"Partially hydrogenated" with regards to the SBS herein means that blocks derived from conjugated diene monomer have been hydrogenated at least 3 weight % and less than 97%, based on the total mass of the blocks derived from conjugated diene monomer.

"Completely hydrogenated "with regards to the SBS herein means that blocks derived from conjugated diene monomer have been hydrogenated at least 97% based on the total mass of the block(s) derived from conjugated diene monomer.

The hydrogenation rate can be determined by comparing NMR spectra of the block copolymers, before and after hydrogenation, e.g. by using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus.

Examples of the vinyl aromatic monomer for preparing S block of the copolymer include vinyl aromatic compounds such as styrene, omethylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, divinylbenzene, 1 ,1- diphenylethylene, N, N-dimethyl-p-amino-ethyl styrene, N, N-diethyl-p-aminoethyl styrene, p- tert-butyl styrene, 1 ,3-dimethylstyrene, vinyl-naphthalene and/or vinylanthracene. Among these, styrene is preferred from the viewpoint of cost and the mechanical strength of the resultant copolymer.

Examples of the diene monomer for preparing B block(s) are conjugated dienes, including 1 ,3- butadiene, 2-methyl-1 ,3-butadiene (isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1 ,3-butadiene, 1 ,3-pentadiene, 2- methyl-1 ,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, 1 ,3-hexadiene, 1 ,3-heptadiene, 2,4-heptadiene, 1 ,3- octadiene, 2,4-octadiene, 3,5-octadiene, 1 ,3-nonadiene, 2,4-nonadiene, 3,5-nonadiene, 1 ,3- decadiene, 2,4-decadiene, 3,5-decadiene, and/or 1 ,3-cyclohexadiene. Such dienes may be used singly or in combination of two or more. Among these, 1 ,3-butadiene and isoprene are preferred since these monomers are excellent in terms of workability and mechanical strength of the resultant copolymer.

For the elastomeric composition, one or more kinds of SBS, and one or more kinds of SEBS are used. SBS and SEBS, in the form of a linear or a radial-shaped block copolymer, can be used in the present invention.

The SBS and SEBS linear block copolymers are composed of S block and B block linked with one another to form a linear molecular configuration, which can be prepared in accordance with conventionally used methods.

The radial-shaped SBS and SEBS block copolymers are branched block polymers having a coupling agent as a center moiety, coupled with a plurality of linear block SBS and SEBS copolymers extending from the central moiety.

Also in the linear- or radial-shaped SBS block copolymers, B blocks derived from a conjugated diene monomer are partially hydrogenated, and in the SEBS copolymers, B blocks derived from a conjugated diene monomer are completely hydrogenated, as explained above. In the present invention, linear-shaped block copolymers are preferably used for each of SBS and SEBS. However, it is possible to use the radial-shaped SBS, instead of using linear- shaped block copolymer, or to use both radial-and linear-shaped SBS and SEBS in combination. Examples of commercially available SBS and SEBS for the linear-shaped block copolymers are as follows: Asaprene T439 (trade name), Asaprene T436 (trade name) and Asaprene T432 (trade name) manufactured by Asa hi Kasei Corporation; TR2600 (trade name) manufactured by JSR Corporation; Clayton D1 1 18 (trade name) manufactured by Kraton Polymers Inc; Sol T166 (trade name) manufactured by Enichem Company (Ltd.); Quintac 3433N (trade name) and Quintac 3421 (trade name) manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.

These can be used alone or in combination with one another.

The radial-shaped SBS or SEBS block copolymers are represented by the following formula (II):

In the above formula,

n is an integer of 2 or more, and preferably 3 or 4;

S is an S block derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer;

B is a B block derived from a conjugated diene monomer; and

Y is a coupling agent:

The radial-shaped copolymers of formula (II) wherein n is 3, are referred to as 3-branched type (having 3 linear copolymers radially extending from a coupling agent), and those wherein n is for is referred to as 4-branched type (having 4 linear copolymers radially extending from a coupling agent). For the radial-shaped SBS or SEBS copolymer, butadiene or isoprene is preferred as a monomer for preparing B block.

The above-mentioned coupling agents are polyfunctional compounds, which couple with linear SBS or SEBS copolymers to have those to have a radial configuration. There is no special limitation with regards to coupling agents for preparing the radial-shaped block copolymers.

Examples of the coupling agent are: silane compounds including halogenated silane such as trichloro-silane, tetrachlo- rosilane, tribromosilane and tetrabromosilane; and alkoxysilane including methyltri- methoxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, tet- ramethoxysilane, tetra-ethoxysilane; tin compounds including halogenated tin such as tetrachlorotin; carboxylates such as diethyl adipate; and polycarboxylates; epoxy compounds, such as epoxylated soybean oil; acrylates such as pentaerythritol tetraacrylate; and

further compounds including epoxy silane or divinyl compounds such as divinyi benzene.

Examples of the radial-shaped copolymers are HJ10, HJ12, HJ13, HJ15 are available from Asahi Kasei Corporation.

It is preferable that SBS (B) has melt flow ratio (MFR) of 0.1 g/10 min to 3.0 g/10 min, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 g/10 min, and that SEBS (C) has melt flow ratio (MFR) of 2.0 g/10 min to 15 g/10 min, preferably 3.0 g/10 min to 8 g/10 min.

The above-mentioned MFR values are measured in accordance with ISO 1 133 based on method A, under the application of load of 5 kg to the specimens (SBS or SEBS) at 200°C.

Further, the elastomeric composition of the present invention includes plasticizer (D) and a lubricant (E), firstly for imparting flexibility, soft and comfortable touch to the elastomeric composition (after being cured), and secondly for controlling flowability for the composition before being cured, e.g. for attaining flowability sufficient for injection molding procedure.

The plasticizer (E) can be omitted depending upon the formulation. However, it is usually recommended to add both plasticizer (D) and lubricant (E) (used mainly for increasing the flexibility of SBS (B) and SEBS (C)) to the elastomeric composition of the invention, specifically for improving the textural comfortability of the cured composition.

In the present invention, the plasticizer is an additive mainly for increasing the flexibility of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A), and lubricant (E) is an additive mainly for increasing the flexibility of SBS (B) and SEBS (C). Examples of the plasticizer (D) includes any known substances, however, in general in the present invention, plasticizers having straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based ester and/or ether structure, and/or one or more aromatic group are recommendable. The plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based esters, ethers, and ether esters, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based esters and ethers.

Specific examples are phthalic acid esters such as diisodecyl phthalate, 2-butoxyethyl phthalate, 2-ethylhexyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate; adipic acid esters such as bis(2- ethylhexyl) adipate, diisononyl adipate, diisodecyl adipate, bis(2-butoxyethyl) adipate, di-n-alkyl adipate, adipic acid esters including ether moieties (adipic acid ether esters) such as bis[2-(2- butoxyethoxy) ethyl)] adipate; polyester adipates; trimellitic acid esters such as tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitatebenzoic acid glycol esters, such as diethyleneglycol dibenzoate and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate preferably the above-mentioned phthalic acid esters, and adipic acid ether esters. It is considered to be good to use a plasticizer having a good impregnation ratio to the elasto- meric polyurethane (A), that would decrease the hardness of the elastomeric polyurethane (A) and hence to improve the softness of the cured elastomeric composition

For attaining high impregnation ratio of the plasticizer, with respect to thermoplastic polyurethane (A), and hence for improving suitable flexibility and softness, phthalic acid esters and adipic acid ether esters are of particular importance. Examples of the lubricant (E) are mineral oils and synthetic oils, including as paraffin oils or naphthenic oils, ethers, such as dibenzyl ether, thioethers, esters such as phthalates, adipates, sebacates, phosphates, or thioesters, polyesters based on phthalic acid or adipic acid and propane diols and/or butane diols or chlorinated paraffin , most preferably paraffin oils. It is preferable to use the lubricant (E) having a dynamic viscosity in the range of 10 to 30 mm²/s.

Paraffin oils e.g. "SUNPURE LW1500" from Japan Sun Oil Company, Ltd. are preferably used in the present invention.

The amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, preferably in the range of 40 to 65 parts by weight, more preferably in the range of 50 to 60 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight (total weight) of the elastomeric composition. The above-mentioned weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is good to have suita- ble bonding strength of the composition with respect to a substrate, with allowing the composition to have flexibility.

The total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, preferably in the range of 35 to 45 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

Further, percentage by weight of SBS (B) to SEBS (C) is in the range of 30% to 70%, more preferably in the range of 40% to 60%, most preferably 45 to 55%. Namely, the percentage by weight of SBS (B) to SEBS (C) is in the range of 30% by weight to 70% by weight, more prefera- bly in the range of 40% by weight to 60% by weight, most preferably 45% by weight to 55% by weight. These ratios, of which appropriateness vary depending upon the choice of the materials in the composition, are preferable for obtaining a sufficient adhesion as well as comfortable touch which can be attained by proper balance of hardness, tensile modulus, elasticity, flexibility and/or density of the elastomeric composition, especially by a good balance between hardness and 100% tensile modulus.

It is further preferable to choose the weight ratio of thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and SBS (B) so as to be in the range of 2 to 6 : 1 (A : B). Further, the elastomeric composition may have the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) to the sum of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 45: 55 to 65:35, preferably 50 : 50 to 65:35 , with the balance of the mechanical strength such as Hardness shore A or the resultant elastomeric composition and the flowability of the material taken into account.

The Shore hardness values, regarding both thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and the elastomeric composition including the same in this invention, are determined in accordance with DIN 53503 In addition to the above, the total amount of the plasticizer (D) and the lubricant (E) (if any), based on total weight of the elastomeric composition, is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, preferably in the range of 2 to 12, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 10 parts by weight, for imparting a sufficient flexibility and a soft touch to the mold obtained from the elastomeric composition. According to another embodiment, the total amount of the plasti- cizer (D) and the lubricant (E), based on total weight of the elastomeric composition, is in the range of 1 part by weight to 13 parts by weight.

In addition to the components (A) to (E), the elastomeric composition of the present invention may contain further additives, depending upon the formulation, as those taught in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Rubber, 4. Chemicals and Additives, 3. Antidegradants, 4.4 pigments, 5. Plasticizers, 6. processing additives, p.17-28 and p. 41 -51 , Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co KGaA, Weinheim, 2007.

Further processing additives, for example, peptizers, such as 2,2'-dibenzamido diphenyl disul- fide or zinc soaps, homogenizers and dispersing agents such as fatty acid esters, metallic soaps, fatty alcohols or fatty acids, tackifiers such as phenolic resins or hydrocarbon resins or release agents such as polyesters, polyethers or silicon oil based emulsions may be added. As anti-degradants commonly known anti-degradant for rubber compositions can be applied as antioxidants, such as phenylenediamines substituted at nitrogen, diarylamines, N, N-di- naphthyl-phenylenediamine, styrenated phenols, 2,4,6 substitutes monophenols, bifunctional phenols or waxes.

The thermoplastic elastomer (A), SBS (B), SEBS (C), and plasticizer (D) and, when applicable, lubricating oil (E), are mixed with each other, all together, separately in parts, or sequentially, with the addition of additives when necessary, depending upon the formulation, in an apparatus such as those for extrusion molding, with an application of heat and/or pressure, by use of an mixing apparatus, homogenized as a melt, molded into solidified pellets, particles, powder, granulate, or may be of aggregates and other conditions such as crumbs. The thus formulated composition of the present invention can be subjected to after- treatment including aging, e.g., for 1 to 20 hours, for attaining desired physical properties. It is preferable that the elastomeric composition according to the present invention can be extruded, and/or injection-molded so as to be used as coating, damping element, folding bellows, foil, fiber, molding, floor for buildings and transport, nonwoven textile, gasket, roll, shoe sole, hose, cable, cable plug, cable sheathing, cushion, laminate, profile, belt, saddle, foam from ad- ditional foaming of the preparation, plug connector, drag cable, solar module, cladding in automobiles, wiper blade, modifier for thermoplastic materials, i.e. substance that influences the properties of another material. Each of these uses per se is a preferred embodiment which is also termed as application. A preferred group of applications is a film, a sheet, a board, a coating or a layer to be applied to a product (external product) made of plastics other than polyure- thane-based materials, especially polyamides.

The molded parts are preferably produced via injection molding, transfer molding, extrusion, or casting, preferably via extrusion and injection moldings. The polyamide which is used as a substrate or an item to be covered with the elastomeric composition (e.g., in the form of a film, a sheet, a board, a coating or a layer) of the invention, are known polyamides including the following materials:

PA 26 (ethylenediamine, adipic acid),

PA 210 (ethylenediamine, sebacic acid),

PA 46 (tetramethylenediamine, adipic acid),

PA 66 (hexamethylenediamine, adipic acid),

PA 69 (hexamethylenediamine, azelaic acid),

PA 610 (hexamethylenediamine, sebacic acid),

PA 612 (hexamethylenediamine, decanedicarboxylic acid),

PA 613 (hexamethylenediamine, undecanedicarboxylic acid),

PA 1212 (1 ,12-dodecanediamine, decanedicarboxylic acid),

PA 1313 (1 ,13-diaminotridecane, undecanedicarboxylic acid),

PA MXD6 (m-xylylenediamine, adipic acid),

PA TMDT (trimethylhexamethylenediamine, terephthalic acid),

PA 4 (pyrrolidone),

PA 6 (ε-caprolactam),

PA 7 (ethanolactam),

PA 8 (capryllactam),

PA 9 (9-aminononanoic acid), and

Poly (p-phenylenediamine terephthalamide) (phenylenediamine, terephthalic acid) and mixtures

(mixtures of the above with each other, or a mixture of the above with other polymers), and copolymers including the above as a monomer. The above-mentioned polyamides can be used alone or in combination of other plastic materials, fillers (e. g. inorganic (glass fiber or the like) or organic fillers), or additives, for constituting the substrate made of polyamide. The substrate can be overlaid with a molded item (e.g. an extruded film or the like) from the elastomeric composition according to the present invention, which are in the form of a film, sheet, or a layer. The molded items of the composition can be adhered to the substrate by the application of heat, e.g., in the range of 160 to 210°C and a pressure in the range of 50 to 100 MPa, thereto, so as to have a state where the substrate is covered with the composition. It is also possible to cover the substrate with the melt of elastomeric composition, especially in accordance with injection molding process, by use of a commercially available injection molding machine, e.g., directly to the substrate. The elastomeric composition shows excellent bonding strength with respect to the substrate (e.g. polyamide substrate), without being easily peeled off. The elastomeric composition after being molded or adhered to the substrate also has a comfortable softness, flexibility, with the elastic composition well following-up the shape of the substrate even with complicated concave- convex parts, without making any space or voids between the substrate and the composition.

As discussed previously, the elastomeric composition according to the present invention can be applied to the substrate, especially a body (casing) of an electric appliance having a grip, such as that of a power tool made of polyamide including an electric drill, an impact driver (electric screwdriver), an electric saw and a nailing machine, so as to cover a part of the electric appli- ance, e.g. the grip or a vicinity thereof, or as a material for interior parts of automobiles.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following embodiments and combinations of embodiments as indicated by the respective dependencies and back-references. In particular, it is noted that in each instance where a range of embodiments is mentioned, for example in the context of a term such as "The ... of any of embodiments 1 to 4", every embodiment in this range is meant to be explicitly disclosed for the skilled person, i.e. the wording of this term is to be understood by the skilled person as being synonymous to "The ... of any of embodiments 1 , 2, 3, and 4".

1. An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition. The elastomeric composition according to embodiment 1 , wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to embodiment 1 , wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a lubricant (E) in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the percentage by weight of SBS (B) to SEBS (C) is in the range of 30% to 70%.

The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) to the sum of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 45: 55 to 65:35.

The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) as product of a reaction of at least one polyester polyol with at least one isocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups.

The elastomeric composition according to embodiment 7, wherein the polyester polyol is represented by the following formula (I):

JIO -R-0 ( OC-R'- OO-R-O) M

wherein R is a residue of alkylene glycols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and,

R' is a residue of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or aromatic dicarboxylic acid having 8 to 14 carbon atoms,

n is in the range of 1 to 3.

The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a shore A hardness in the range of 70 to 90. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein SBS (B) has MFR in the range of 0.1 g/10 min to 3.0 g/10 min. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein SEBS(C) has MFR in the range of more than 2.0 g/10 min to 15 g/10 min. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 1 1 , wherein the plasti- cizer (D) has a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based ester and/or ether structure, and/or one or more aromatic group. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the plasti- cizer is selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon- based esters, ethers, and ether esters, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based esters and ethers. A molded article comprising the elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 13. The method of using the molded article according to embodiment 14 as a member with which a power tool is at least partially covered, the power tool being made of polyamide. An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition. An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition. An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, further comprising a lubricant (E) in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, further comprising a lubricant (E) in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, further comprising a lubricant (E) in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) to the sum of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 45: 55 to 65:35.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the plasticizer (D) has a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based ester and/or ether structure, and/or one or more aromatic group.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based esters, ethers, and ether esters, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based esters and ethers. 24. An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) to the sum of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 45: 55 to 65:35. 25. An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the plasticizer (D) has a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based ester and/or ether structure, and/or one or more aromatic group.

An elastomeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B), a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based esters, ethers, and ether esters, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based esters and ethers.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) to the sum of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 45: 55 to 65:35.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the plasticizer (D) has a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based ester and/or ether structure, and/or one or more aromatic group.

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based esters, ethers, and ether esters, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based esters and ethers.

A molded article comprising the elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 16 to 29.

The method of using the molded article according to embodiment 30 as a member with which a power tool is at least partially covered, the power tool being made of polyamide.

An elastomeric composition comprising:

a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

SBS (B),

SEBS (C), and

a plasticizer (D), wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 70 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to embodiment 32, further comprising a lubricant (E) in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to embodiment 32 or 33, wherein the percentage by weight of SBS (B) to SEBS (C) is in the range of 30% to 70%, 35. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 32 to 34, wherein the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) to the sum of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 45: 55 to 65:35. 36. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 32 to 35, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) as product of a reaction of at least one polyester polyol with at least one isocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups. 37. The elastomeric composition according to embodiment 36, wherein the polyester polyol is represented by the following formula (I):

HO-R-0 ( OC-R'-COO-R O)„H

wherein R is a residue of alkylene glycols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and,

R' is a residue of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or aromatic di- carboxylic acid having 8 to 14 carbon atoms,

n is in the range of 1 to 3.

38. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 32 to 37, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a shore A hardness in the range of 70 to 90. 39. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 32 to 38, wherein SBS (B) has MFR in the range of 0.1 g/10 min to 3.0 g/10 min.

40. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 32 to 39, wherein SEBS(C) has MFR in the range of more than 2.0 g/10 min to 15 g/10 min.

41. The elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 32 to 40, wherein the plas- ticizer (D) has a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based ester and/or ether structure, and/or one or more aromatic group. 42. A molded article comprising the elastomeric composition according to any of embodiments 32 to 41 .

43. The method of using the molded article according to embodiment 42 as a member with which a power tool is at least partially covered, the power tool being made of polyamide.

Other feature of the present invention will become understood in the course of the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are given for illustration of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof. Examples

1. Example 1 60 parts by weight of polyurethane produced from 4,4'-diphenyl methane di-isocyanate as an isocyanate, polybutylene adipate diol (Mw=1500) TPU (A) ( "Elastollan" (Tradename) ET 680-50" manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.) , 20 parts by weight of Styrene-butadiene- styrene rubber (SBS) (B) ( "Asaprene T432", manufactured by Asahi Kasei Co., Ltd.), and 20 parts by weight of completely hydrogenated Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene rub- ber (SEBS) (C) "(Taftec H1041 ", manufactured by Asahi Kasei Co., Ltd.) were dry- blended and charged into a twin extruder (screw diameter 30 mm), manufactured by Ike- gai Koki co., Ltd.,) and then processed in the cylinder at 210°C with a screw rotation rate of 150 rpm. Thereafter, 6 parts by weight of bis [2-(2-butoxy ethoxy) ethyl] adipate (D) ("ADK CIZER

RS-107 from ADEKA co., Ltd.,) and 4 parts by weight of lubricating oil (E) ("SUNPURE LW1500" from Japan Sun Oil Company, Ltd.)-were poured into the extruder directly via a pump. The composition resulting from the above process in the form of a mass was crushed by using a pelletizer and thus pellet-shaped elastomeric composition was ob- tained.

2. Examples 2 to 7, and Comparative Examples 1 to 5

The above-mentioned procedure in Example 1 was repeated, expect that the amounts of the components (A) to (E) were changed as shown in Table 1 a and 1 b, to prepare elastomeric compositions of the invention (Examples 2 to 7) and comparative elastomeric compositions (Comparative Examples 1 to 5).

The pelletized composition from Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were subjected the following evaluations, after being aged at 100 °C for 15 hours.

3. Evaluation of Shore A Hardness

The pellets of the elastomeric composition were charged into a hopper injection molding machine "PLASTAR TM-130F2" from Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.), and processed be molten in a cylinder at 200 °C. Into a mold with an internal temperature of 50°C, the composition was injected, to have a shape of a board.

The board, after being cooled to room temperature, was cut into test pieces having a size of 60 mm^*100 mm^*2 mm. Shore A Hardness of the test pieces were measured according to DIN 53505 and results were shown in Table 1 a and 1 b. Evaluation of Bonding Strength

For providing a substrate, polyamide-based material ("Ultramid B3EG6" from BASF SE: a 30% glass fiber reinforced injection molding PA6") was formed into plates having a thickness of 2 mm by means of injection molding process.

The pelletized compositions were charged into a hopper injection molding machine ("PLASTAR TM-130F2" from Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.), and processed to be molten in a cylinder at 200 °C, and injected from the injection molding machine directly to the polyamide substrate positioned in a mold. Thus, and the polyamide was covered with the elastomeric composition having a thickness of 4 mm in the mold.

The thus prepared test pieces having a molded composition overlaid on the substrate were released from the mold and cooled to room temperature, the bonding strength of the test pieces were measured according to JIS K6854-2, under the ambience condition controlled to be 23°Cx50%RH. The results were shown in Table 1 a and 1 b.

Flowability

Using a spiral flow mold i.e., a mold having a spiral shape (width: 5 mm, thickness: 3 mm; maximum flow length: 750 mm) the flowabilities of the elastomeric compositions were measured.

The pelletized compositions were charged into a hopper injection molding machine ("PLASTAR TM-130F2" from Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.), and processed to be molten in a cylinder at 200 °C. From the molding machine, the samples were injected to the spiral flow mold having a temperature 30 °C, under the condition of injection speed of 3 cm³ / sec, injection pressure 80 MPa, and injection time 5 sec. After the samples allow to cool for 35 sec the cured samples were released from the mold, and the lengths of the molded spirals, i.e., the lengths of the sample flow in the mold were measured.

The larger the length of the spiral, the better the flowability of the molten sample. The results were shown in Table 1 a and 1 b.

Tensile strength

The tensile stress at 100% the elastomeric compositions were measured.

The pelletized compositions were charged into a hopper injection molding machine ("PLASTAR TM-130F2" from Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.), and processed to be molten in a cylinder at 200 °C. From the molding machine, the samples were injected to prepare test pieces, and the tensile strength was measured, in accordance with DIN 53504, wherein the test pieces were subjected to a pulling test, and the tensile stress at break (100% Modulus) was obtained based on the equation below: Tensile strength (MPa) =FB/A wherein A represents a cross-sectional area of a test piece prior to the pulling test (cm²), and

FB(N) represents a maximum load applied to the test piece.

The results were shown in Table 1 a and 1 b. Table 1 a

^*ET680-50: TPU prepared from buthylene adipate, 1 ,4-butane diol and MDI Table 1 b

^*ET680-50: TPU prepared from buthylene adipate, 1 ,4-butane diol and MDI

It can be seen from Table 1 , the samples obtianed from the elastomeric composition of the present invention have a good flowability to make the manufacture, especially for smoothly performing injection molding. Further, a good balance of bonding strength, hardness, and 100% modulus can be seen for the elastomeric compositin of the invention, which are important for attaining both durability of the product and comfortable and easiness for using the product. Tactile Property Test (Sensory Evaluation) Preparation of Sample Drivers (electric screwdrivers):

An impact driver TD136D (recharable type, manufactured by Makita Corporation the main body casing: made of "Ultramid B3EG6" manufactured by BASF SE, i.e., a 30% glass fiber reinforced injection molding PA6) was used as a substrate for the test samples to be evaluated.

As shown in Fig. 1 , a grip part 2 of an impact driver 1 was covered with the elastomeric composition (1 to 2 mm-thick sheet) of Example 1 , to give a sample driver 1 . Likewise, the elastomeric compositions of Comparative Examples 3 were applied to the grip part 2 of the driver 1 .

Each elastomer was applied to the entire circumference of the grip in accordance with the injection molding process as described above in relation to "Evaluation of Bonding Strength". Monitoring test:

10 subjects composed of healthy men and women in their 20th to 50th evaluated the touch (feeling/comfortableness) of the sample drivers, by holding the same.

Each of the subjects was introduced, one by one, to a text room which was controlled to have a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 50%RH.

The subjects were instructed to hold each of brand new sample drivers in the manner as shown in Fig. 2.

Immediately after holding the sample drivers, the subjects evaluated the texture or touch they perceived while they were holding the samples, based on the following five standards. The evaluation was made based on the following points taken into consideration. the grip part comfortably fits to the hand,

the grip part is adequately moisturized (not dry or not tacky)

5: Excellent

4: Good

3: Average

2: Poor

1 : Extremely poor

The evaluation by the 10 subjects (Sub 1 to Sub 10) are shown in the following Table 2. [Table 2]

Although preference or perception may be different depending on the subject, the sample having the elastomeric material from Example 1 had evaluation much better than that from

Comparative Example 3.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sample driver which includes an elastomeric composition on the grip part of the driver, for explaining a test carried out in the examples; and

Fig 2 is a perspective view of the driver of Fig. 1 , for showing how the grip was held in the test in the examples.

Reference Signs List

1 . . . Sample driver

2 . . . Grip part

3 . . . Elastomeric composition (sheet form)

Cited Literature

JP-B 5203985

US 8,193,273

Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Rubber, 4. Chemicals and Additives, 3. Antide- gradants, 4.4 pigments, 5. Plasticizers, 6. processing additives, p.17-28 and p. 41 -51 , Wiley- VCH Verlag GmbH & Co KGaA, Weinheim, 2007

Claims

An elastomeric composition comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane (A),

a block copolymer SBS (B),

a block copolymer SEBS (C), and

The elastomeric composition according to claim 1 , wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 40 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to claim 1 , wherein the amount of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) is in the range of 38 to 69 parts by weight, the total amount of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and the amount of the plasticizer (D) is in the range of 1 part by weight to 8 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a lubricant (E) in the range of 1 part by weight to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric composition.

The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the percentage by weight of SBS (B) to SEBS (C) is in the range of 30% to 70%.

The elastomeric composition according to any of claim 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) to the sum of SBS (B) and SEBS (C) is in the range of 45: 55 to 65:35.

The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane (A) as product of a reaction of at least one polyester polyol with at least one isocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups.

8. The elastomeric composition according to claim 7, wherein the polyester polyol is represented by the following formula (I):

HO-R-0 ( DOR' CGO- R ()) _nH

wherein R is a residue of alkylene glycols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and,

n is in the range of 1 to 3.

9. The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a shore A hardness in the range of 70 to 90.

10. The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein SBS (B) has MFR in the range of 0.1 g/10 min to 3.0 g/10 min.

1 1. The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein SEBS(C) has MFR in the range of more than 2.0 g/10 min to 15 g/10 min.

12. The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the plasticizer (D) has a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based ester and/or ether structure, and/or one or more aromatic group.

13. The elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon-based esters, ethers, and ether esters, and aromatic hydrocarbon-based esters and ethers.

14. A molded article comprising the elastomeric composition according to any of claims 1 to 13.

15. The method of using the molded article according to claim 14 as a member with which a power tool is at least partially covered, the power tool being made of polyamide.