TPU materials (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and TPE material (Thermoplastic Elastomer) are both thermoplastic elastomers commonly used in the production of rubber products, seals, tubing, cable coatings, footwear, and various other applications. Although they share some similarities, there are significant differences between TPE material and TPU materials in the following aspects.
TPU materials offer better transparency than TPE material, and they are also less prone to surface stickiness compared to transparent TPE.
The specific gravity of TPE material varies significantly, ranging from 0.89 to 1.3, while TPU materials typically fall between 1.0 and 1.4. In practical applications, both materials are often used as blends, leading to variations in specific gravity.
TPU materials exhibit excellent oil resistance, whereas TPE material faces challenges in achieving the same level of oil resistance.
When burned, TPE material produces a faint aromatic smell with minimal and light-colored smoke. In contrast, TPU materials release a more pungent odor and produce a slight sizzling sound during combustion.
TPU materials have superior rebound resilience and abrasion resistance compared to TPE material, primarily due to differences in molecular chain structure. Additionally, blend-type TPE material has less balanced microstructural properties compared to polymerized TPU materials. The multi-component nature of TPE material can negatively affect its resilience. This is particularly evident in high-hardness TPE material, where a higher proportion of polypropylene components leads to reduced elasticity and makes the material more prone to deformation under sustained external force.
TPU materials are generally harder but can be customized to various hardness levels based on specific needs. TPE material is typically softer, offering excellent flexibility and elasticity, making it ideal for applications requiring a soft touch.
