Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE Resin) is a general term that describes any thermoplastic that has elastomeric properties similar to rubber.
What Are TPE/TPR Materials?
TPE/TPR Materials, sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers, are a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber) that consist of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.
While most elastomers are thermosets, thermoplastics are in contrast relatively easy-to-use in manufacturing, for example, by injection molding.
Thermoplastic elastomers show advantages typical of both rubbery materials and plastic materials. The benefit of using TPE/TPR material is the elasticity or ability to stretch to moderate elongations and return to its near-original shape creating a longer life and better physical range than other materials.
Each of these TPE/TPR materials has unique properties and there are a wide variety of applications that they are used for. SBC is used for toothbrush handles, gaskets for jars, and mobile phone cases. It is available in clear, unlike the other TPE materials. TPO is used for automotive bumper fasciae and automotive interior panels. TPV has a feel that is closest to rubber and is used for gaskets, rubber bumpers, and grommets. TPU has the highest tensile strength of any TPE resin and is commonly used for automotive suspension bushings and dog chew toys. Thermoplastic copolyesters are higher heat and higher stiffness than other TPE resins and are used for automotive CV joint boots and coiled pneumatic tubing. Thermoplastic polyamides are specialty TPEs that are used primarily for medical devices and applications. PVC is used in sheet form as synthetic leather for automotive dashboard covers and seating and furniture.
Click here to learn more about the advantages of TPE resin vs. the advantages of rubber. For more information about the TPE plastic resins we have available for distribution, please contact us.
What Is SBC?
SBC (styrene block copolymer) materials are block copolymers and terpolymers (more than two polymers) of styrene and butadiene (pronounced byoot-u-dy’-een). This is a broad category of materials that covers a number of different formulations. Material designated as SBS, SEBS, SEPS, SIS, and SEP is all styrenic block copolymers. You can look up what all those acronyms stand for if you want but I won’t bore you. Some manufacturers just refer to their material as SBC which means they’re being a bit cagey about the exact make-up of the material. A book could be written about the differences between all of the different SBC formulations but there are more similarities than differences so I will just cover the basics here. SBC materials are not typically injection moldable so most commercial grades are SBC that is compounded with polypropylene or polyethylene.
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What Is TPO?
TPO is a compounded blend of polypropylene and non-cross-linked EPDM rubber. TPOs are sometimes filled with mineral fillers or, occasionally, glass fiber. These tend to be harder materials ranging from 30 Shore D and up. They tend to be classified by flexural modulus rather than hardness. There are also some grades of TPO that are referred to as “reactor TPO”. These are typically very high-impact polypropylene copolymers that are just referred to as TPO because the properties are quite a bit different than most polypropylenes.
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What Is TPV?
TPV is a compounded blend of polypropylene and cross-linked EPDM rubber. TPV tends to be very soft and flexible. It is similar in properties to SBC.
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What Is TPU?
TPU materials are block copolymers formed by the reaction of diisocyanates with short-chain diols or long-chain diols. They are the best-wearing TPE materials and have the highest tensile strength.
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What Is TPC-ET?
TPC-ET materials are copolymers of bifunctional aromatic polyesters. They are the highest heat TPEs available and can take repeated bending forces without breaking.
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What Is TPA-ET?
TPA-ET materials are copolymers obtained by polycondensation of a carboxylic acid polyamide with alcohol-terminated polyether. Think of it as nylon-based TPE. It offers properties similar to TPC-ET. This is not a commonly used material that seems to find a home mostly in medical applications.
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What Is PVC?
PVC is produced by the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer. Plasticizers, primarily phthalates, are blended into the material to make it soft and flexible. Unlike the other materials here, PVC is available in both rigid and flexible forms. We will focus on the flexible version here.
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What Are Ionomers?
Ionomers are ethylene acid copolymers that use ionic bonds in molecular chains. The ionic bonds make this material behave more like thermosets at room temperature but more like elastomers at low temperatures.
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Applications include consumer goods such as golf ball covers, cosmetics containers, and food packaging film. Also used as an impact modifier for nylon.
At Midwest Resins, we carry a number of different TPEs in stock and can help you pick the right material for your application.