Kuraray America Unveils High-Performance SEPTON™ and Liquid Rubber Additives for Superior Lubricants at STLE 2026

Kuraray America, Inc. USA

Overview

Kuraray America presented its advanced polymer-based additives, SEPTON™ (hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer) and KURARAY LIQUID RUBBER, for lubricants and greases at STLE 2026. The company highlighted these products’ exceptional thickening efficiency, superior low-temperature performance, and enhanced shear stability. These innovations are poised to significantly improve the durability and efficiency of lubricants across various industrial and automotive applications.

In Depth

Key Findings

Kuraray America made a significant presentation at the 80th STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers) Annual Meeting & Exhibition in 2026, showcasing its innovative polymer-based additive solutions for the lubricant and grease sectors. The spotlight was on its commercially available SEPTON™ (hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer) and KURARAY LIQUID RUBBER, a diluent-oil-free liquid polymer. The company underscored how these products dramatically enhance thickening efficiency, deliver superior low-temperature performance, and provide exceptional shear stability, thereby offering a substantial leap in lubricant performance for a wide range of industrial and automotive applications.

Technical / Clinical Details

SEPTON™, characterized by its unique molecular architecture, is a hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer that achieves high thickening effects with lower treat rates compared to conventional polymer thickeners. This efficiency allows for precise viscosity adjustment and optimized fluidity in lubricants. Furthermore, it maintains viscosity stability at low temperatures, crucial for equipment startup and performance in cold climates. KURARAY LIQUID RUBBER stands out as a pure, diluent-oil-free liquid polymer, offering outstanding viscosity index improvement and shear stability, particularly in the formulation of greases and high-viscosity lubricants. This prevents viscosity breakdown during prolonged use, extending equipment protection and lifespan. Both additives exhibit excellent compatibility with various base oils, facilitating their integration into diverse lubricant formulations.

Background & Context

Modern industrial machinery, automotive systems, and aerospace applications increasingly demand higher-performance, longer-lasting lubricants. Enhancing energy efficiency and extending component lifespan directly contribute to reduced operating costs and environmental impact, making advancements in lubricant technology critically important. Consistent lubrication performance under extreme temperature fluctuations and high-load conditions is paramount for equipment reliability. Polymer-based additives are indispensable as viscosity index improvers and thickeners, driving the overall evolution of lubricant performance. Kuraray’s showcased products are engineered to meet these rigorous demands, addressing critical needs in contemporary industrial lubrication.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The SEPTON™ and KURARAY LIQUID RUBBER additives presented by Kuraray America have the potential to significantly enhance the performance of a broad spectrum of lubricant products, including automotive engine oils, industrial hydraulic fluids, and various types of greases. Widespread adoption of these additives is expected to extend the service life of lubricants, leading to reduced maintenance costs and decreased waste generation. Moreover, their superior low-temperature operability will contribute to improved energy efficiency in colder environments, positioning them as essential technologies for supporting sustainable industrial practices and driving future market expansion.