Seals and plastic components in vehicles are designed to keep moisture and external noise out. Yet friction between surfaces can itself cause unwanted noise, abrasion and wear.
With “Silent Materials – Best Performance in Tribological Systems,” Mercedes-Benz and KRAIBURG TPE developed a fundamentally new approach: friction-reducing additives are integrated directly into the TPE compound and combined with a specially engineered surface structure.
This can eliminate the need for additional slip coatings or flocking. The result is fewer process steps, reduced material losses and lower costs – while also creating a more homogeneous component with improved recyclability. The interaction between the material, additives, surface structures and different operating conditions was evaluated in more than 1,000 friction tests.
The innovation also convinced the jury of the MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award: Mercedes-Benz, together with KRAIBURG TPE, received the Best Of Award in the Material category.
It is a powerful example of how major advances in sustainability, manufacturing and product performance can begin at the molecular level.
Is your material innovation transforming a product or manufacturing process?
Apply now for the MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award 2026 in the categories Material, Product, Process or CO₂-Efficiency.
📅 Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
👉 https://www.emove360.com/awards/materialica-award/
#MATERIALICA #MaterialInnovation #MercedesBenz #KRAIBURGTPE #TPE #Sustainability #Automotive #Engineering #CircularEconomy #Award
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