Performance Differences between TPE Raw Materials and TPU Raw Materials for Thermoplastic Elastomers

Time：2019-07-16Hits：2139

TPE thermoplastic elastomer and TPU thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer are both thermoplastic materials with rubber elasticity. TPE and TPU materials with similar hardness have certain softness and rubber elasticity. When many customers first contact with elastomers, the first question is often what are their differences and how to choose them. So, is TPE or TPU the best choice for elastomer products? Next, I will share with you how to choose suitable elastomer materials for the products. First of all, we analyze the differences and differences between TPE and TPU from many aspects, so as to correctly select the materials you need. 1. Difference in hardness SEBS-modified TPE has a wide range of adjustable hardness, and its hardness range can vary from Shorea Scale 0 to 100, while TPU hardness range is usually from Shore 60A to Shore 70D (soft TPU with hardness of about 45A appears abroad at present, but the price is quite expensive). Therefore, it can be said that TPE hardness range is medium and low hardness, while TPU hardness is medium and high hardness. 2. Combustion distinction TPE burns with a special aromatic smell accompanied by petroleum smell (petroleum smell is the burning smell of PP component), the flame tip is yellow, and the flame root is blue (ultra-soft hardness TPE, flame root is yellow). TPU burns with a certain irritating peculiar smell, and there is a slight explosion when burning. 3. Performance Difference TPU is superior to TPE in elasticity and elastic recovery (bending resistance and creep resistance). TPU is mainly composed of polymer homogeneous structure and belongs to polymer resin. TPE is an alloy material with multiphase structure aggregation formed by multi-component blending. TPE with high hardness is easy to deform, while TPU shows excellent elasticity in all hardness ranges and the product is not easy to deform. 4. Differences in tactility Some overmolded products, such as handles and wheels, may be TPE or TPU. TPU products have rough hand feeling and strong friction resistance. TPE products, on the other hand, are delicate and soft to the touch and have weak friction performance. 5, coating application analysis TPE and TPU are two kinds of soft adhesives commonly used in overmolding. Generally TPE is used to cover PE,PP and other plastics (TPE hardness range 20~95A). TPU is commonly used as a soft adhesive material for covering ABS,PC,PA and other plastics (hardness range 75A~72D). However, TPE specially modified by SEBS system can also be used to coat ABS, PC and PA (hardness range 35A~90A). 6. Shrinkage Comparison TPE shrinkage is 1.2-3%; TPU shrinkage is 0.8-1.8%. The specific value depends on different brands. Generally, TPU has higher hardness and smaller shrinkage, while TPE has higher hardness and smaller shrinkage. TPE or TPU for Elastomer Products? To sum up, TPE and TPU are both soft materials with good rubber elasticity. In comparison, TPE is more excellent in tactile comfort and TPU is more excellent in elasticity and strength. For products with lower hardness (e.g. less than 30A), TPE should be selected to achieve the effect of skid resistance, shock absorption and rebound. For products with higher hardness (above 80A) and good elasticity, TPU can be competent. Dongguan Dechuang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer of elastomer TPE/TPR/TPU materials. There are thousands of mature TPE/TPR/TPU materials in the warehouse. If you are developing elastomer TPE products and need styles or quotations, please contact us! We will serve you wholeheartedly!

德创化工 (edit：dechuang)