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TPE/TPU

Thermoplastic elastomers/Thermoplastic polyurethane

TPE/TPU

Thermoplastic elastomers/Thermoplastic polyurethane

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Physical Properties

  • TPE and TPU are elastomeric materials, combining the properties of rubber and plastic.
  • They exhibit excellent flexibility and tear resilience.
  • Soft touch with good elasticity properties.
  • Comfortable to hold, with good non-slip properties.
  • Much easier to mould and process than conventional rubber.
  • Easily coloured and over-moulded onto various thermoplastics with good adhesion.
  • Good tear and abrasion resistance
  • Excellent resistance to chemicals & weathering
  • Good electrical properties

Typical Applications

  • Soft touch handles for power tools, toothbrushes, domestic appliances, etc.
  • Automotive – seals, mats, control knobs and buttons, air bag covers
  • Wire and cable coatings
  • Wire and cable coatings
  • Sports equipment – grips on hockey sticks, ski boot features
  • Medical – seals and connectors, mouthpieces
  • Construction – weather-proof membranes
  • Toys

Structure

  • TPE and TPU have a molecular structure that combines both hard segments and soft segments.
  • TPEs are typically composed of block copolymers or blends of different polymers, providing a combination of rubber-like properties and processability.
  • TPUs are formed through the reaction of diisocyanates with polyols, resulting in a segmented block copolymer structure.

An example of the various different forms that TPE can form is below:

TPE-S – Styrenic SBS, SEBS Compounds

TPE-O – Thermoplastic Olefins

TPE-V – Vulcanized PP/EPDM Compound

TPE-U – Thermoplastic Polyurethane

TPE-E – Co-Polyester Compound

TPE-A – Thermoplastic Polyamide

Identification

  • TPE and TPU are combustible materials and can burn with a yellow or blue flame.
  • When extinguished, they may emit a characteristic odor depending on the specific formulation.

Useful data

  • Density: The density of TPE and TPU varies depending on the specific formulation and grade.
  • Pre-Drying: Pre-drying may be required for some TPE and TPU grades to remove moisture. Drying conditions may vary based on the specific material.
  • Melt Temperature: The recommended melt temperature for TPE and TPU varies depending on the specific formulation and grade.
  • Mold Temperature: The mold temperature for TPE and TPU typically ranges from room temperature to moderately elevated temperatures.
  • Shrinkage: TPE and TPU exhibit varying degrees of shrinkage, which depend on the specific formulation and processing conditions.

History

The first thermoplastic elastomer became available in 1959. At that time rubber compounds (thermosets) were already popular in the automotive market but they were expensive, difficult to produce and hard to recycle.

Product designers were continually looking for materials that would provide new benefits to the consumer and needed a soft, cheaper material that was easier to process and TPE was the answer.

Since the 1970’s with new product applications being continually developed, there was a demand for more grades with differing properties. Material manufacturers have now brought many different variants of TPE to the market to meet this demand.

Want to purchase TPE/TPU grades? Please give us a call on 0141 952 1900.

TPE/TPU Brands

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Please note that we only supply polymer in granular form for Injection Moulding or Extrusion applications. We do not supply polymer in rod, sheet or block form.

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