Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is an indispensable material for processors, product developers, and designers. This material has both the dynamic processing performance of thermoplastic plastics and the flexibility and elasticity of elastomers.
Different types of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and their modification schemes can achieve various material characteristics, ensuring efficient processing performance for different industries.
TPE helps to strengthen products and achieve unique characteristics. In addition, they also have a wide range of technical functions that elastomers have achieved. Using TPE can not only improve product efficiency, but also bring economic advantages to processors.
Based on the processing and performance characteristics of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) materials, they can be classified as a type of material between thermoplastic plastics and elastomers. They are a independent material.
Overall, there is a significant difference between TPEs manufactured by condensation reactions and TPE compounds. TPEs prepared by a reactor are a single polymer. TPE blends are achieved by mixing different polymers to form compounds.
Like thermoplastic plastics, Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) are also processed by injection or extrusion heating. Because they can recover their original elasticity after cooling, they can be recycled like thermoplastic plastics. Compared with TPEs, elastomers cannot be processed by melting; their chemical cross-linking makes them unrecoverable.
Easy to thermoplastic process;
Short cycle time;
Low energy consumption;
Multi-component processing reduces assembly costs;
Combination of different materials (soft-hard composite);
100% recyclable processing;
Large processing window;
Rich color selection, including color effects, with more design flexibility;
Has a wide range of applications from the automotive industry to the pharmaceutical industry.
TPEs have a wide range of applications and can meet specific requirements in different industries. They can be used not only for control components in automotive interiors, but also for window enclosures and sealing of components under the hood.
Their applications in the industrial sector include making tool handles and cable gaskets, among others. In the consumer sector, TPEs can be seen in toys, sports equipment, packaging, and hygiene products like toothbrushes and razors. In terms of medical applications, special compounds that meet the strict requirements of the field are already available. These applications include infusion products, seals, and medical tubes, among others.
