🧩 POE+GF – Glass Fiber Reinforced Olefinic Elastomer
(Elastic-technical material, reinforced for structural strength, used in automotive components requiring both flexibility and local rigidity)
🔹 What is POE+GF
POE+GF is an olefinic elastomer (POE) modified by adding Glass Fiber (GF) in a proportion of 10–30% to increase its rigidity, tensile strength, and dimensional stability.
The result is a semi-rigid and heat-resistant material that retains the basic elasticity of POE but becomes more suitable for housings, caps, supports, and structural elements exposed to vibrations. It is an ideal compromise between rigid plastic (PP-GF) and pure elastomer (TPO, TPV).
🔧 Composition
- POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) – flexible matrix.
- Glass Fiber (10–30%) – structural reinforcement.
- Coupling agents (silanes) – fiber-polymer compatibilization.
- Additives – UV stabilizers, antioxidants, anti-static agents.
- Density: ≈ 1.05–1.15 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 170–190 °C.
🚗 Where POE+GF is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Technical Bodywork | Caps, supports, rigid liners | Superior mechanical strength |
| Engine Interior | Protective covers, sensor supports | Thermal and vibrational stability |
| Automotive Exterior | Mudguards, reinforced flexible elements | Stable shape, controlled elasticity |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 270 – 290 °C | Efficient welding with controlled melting |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | Recommended for flat joints |
| Manual Extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Suitable for long cracks |
🔩 What to Weld POE+GF With (Material Compatibility)
The question “what to weld POE+GF with” often arises in the repair of semi-elastic OEM parts. The material, being olefinic, is compatible with TPO, PP-EPDM, TPV, and POE, but due to the glass fiber, it requires a similar rod (reinforced POE or TPO).
✅ Compatible:
- POE+GF ↔ POE+GF – ideal combination.
- POE+GF ↔ POE / TPO / PP-EPDM / TPV – good compatibility.
- POE+GF ↔ PP+GF / PP-TPO – partially compatible (difference in elasticity).
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – polar materials, different melting points.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use POE, TPO, or PP-EPDM rods at a temperature of 280 °C. Heat uniformly and apply constant pressure to avoid fiber delamination. After welding, smooth with a hot scraper for a clean finish.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Dow: Engage™ GF
- SABIC: POE-GF Compound
- LyondellBasell: Hostacom® POE-GF
- Borealis: Daplen® POE-GF
- Mitsui Chemicals: Tafmer™ GF
🧠 How to Identify POE+GF
- Engraved marking: >POE-GF20<, >POE+GF30<, >TPO-GF<, or >OLEFIN-GF<.
- Matte, rigid surface with fine dots (visible glass fiber).
- Yellow-blue flame, faint paraffin smell.
- Softens at ≈ 280 °C, without excessive deformation.
- When cut, short white-grey fibers are visible.
🛠️ POE+GF Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional POE+GF welding for:
- automotive caps, supports, and fairings;
- restoring broken mounts or reinforced areas;
- aesthetic restoration with structural strength;
- clean, matte finish with OEM resistance.