Thermoplastic Elastomers Introduction

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a kind of material that has both the characteristics of rubber and the processing characteristics of thermoplastics. It has the toughness and elasticity of rubber at room temperature, and can be plasticized and molded at high temperature, which is convenient for processing. TPE has excellent performance, convenient processing, recyclable secondary processing, environmental protection and economy. Widely used to replace traditional vulcanized rubber and PVC

• Appearance, feel and smell

  	Exterior	Feel	Hardness degree	Transparency	Odor
  TPS	Matte	Astringent, greasy	Very soft	High transparent-impervious	Good
  TPV	Matte	Dryer	Soft	Well	Middle
  TPU	Glossy	Slippery	Soft	High penetration	Excellent
  TPEE	Very bright	Slippery	Hard	White	Excellent

• Mechanical behavior

  	Hardness A	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Tear strength
  TPS	0-95	0.5-20	300-1000	5-40
  TPV	64-95	4-25	120-500	20-100
  TPU	60-98	20-60	200-600	60-150
  TPEE	75-72D	15-50	300-700	50-250

• Resistant to media chemistry

  	Water	Oil	Acid/alkali	Stain resistant
  TPS	Excellent	Difference	Excellent	Difference
  TPV	Excellent	Difference	Excellent	Good
  TPU	Poor (polyester type) Good (polyether type)	Good	Poor (polyester type) Good (polyether type)	Excellent
  TPEE	Good	Excellent	Middle	Excellent

• Processing performance 

  	Fluidity	Thin-walled products	Off-model	Molding cycle	Melt stability	Drying requirements
  TPS	Excellent	Easy	Good	Medium	Excellent	Low
  TPV	Difference	Difficult	Good	Middle	Excellent	Medium
  TPU	Generally	Difficult	Middle	Middle length	Medium-poor	Very high
  TPEE	Excellent	Easy	Excellent	Short	Good	High