Is it better to use TPE or TPU for encapsulating ABS material
Source：德创化工Time：2020-06-07Hits：4674
ABS is coated with TPE and TPU. When coating ABS, is TPE or TPU used? This paper briefly analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the two materials used in encapsulated ABS.
First, TPU.
TPU composition is relatively single. Particles with transparent appearance. The specific gravity is 1.06~1.08. The hardness is 65~95A and even reaches 80D. The hardness of TPU for general encapsulation is 65~90A.
Advantages of TPU characteristics:
1. Excellent resilience;
2. Excellent wear resistance;
3. No scratch on the surface and good scratch resistance;
4. Good surface brightness.
TPU Performance Deficiencies:
1. Handfeel smoothness and softness are poor;
2. Can't make key products with lower hardness;
3. The mold is easy to stick during molding.
4. Forming conditions are relatively harsh. Degradation or yellowing easily occurs at higher temperatures.
Besides TPE
Similar to other TPE, TPE for ABS is also a composite thermoplastic elastomer with more components. Only TPE encapsulated ABS, besides SEBS, proper amount of oil, other compatilizers and additives, TPU is an indispensable and important component, which is used to improve the polarity of the blending system and facilitate the adhesion with ABS.
TPE coated ABS is solid particles with specific gravity of 1.04~1.06 and hardness of 30~90A.
Advantages of TPE features:
1. Materials with lower hardness can be provided for button products such as electric toothbrushes;
2. The texture is soft and smooth, which comes from the contribution of SEBS;
3. It can provide brand selection with good demoulding property;
4. The forming thermal stability is good, and the tendency of high temperature degradation and aging resistance is weaker than TPU.
TPE Performance Deficiencies:
1. The surface is generally scratch-resistant, with slight to obvious nail scratches.
2. Wear resistance is not as good as TPU.
After understanding the above advantages and disadvantages of the two materials, I believe we will have a general recommendation on whether to choose TPE or TPU for the encapsulated ABS products of customers.
