Technical.
Technical
Q 1
What is TPE?
A
TPE(Themoplastic Elastomer)TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a general term for thermoplastic elastomers. Common TPEs are as follows:
TPS (thermoplastic styrene) or (TPR). TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer). TPO (thermoplastic olefin). TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) thermoplastic polyolefin dynamically vulcanized elastomer.As long as it meets the characteristics of rubber at room temperature and can be melt-molded at high temperature, it can belong to one of the types of TPE.
Q 2
What is the difference between the producing conditions of TPE and general plastics?
A
The processing conditions of thermoplastic elastomers such as TPE are slightly different from general plastics. The softer the material, the longer of cooling time, especially the more transparent material, there are also cases where it is difficult to release out from the mold. However, these problems can be achieved through processing conditions, changes in mold design and material properties to achieve mass production. However, due to the different styles of each product, different processing techniques are required to avoid poor production. In addition, each series of TPEs have different processing temperatures and conditions. If you have any requirements for molding technology, please call or E-mail us, we will ask technical engineers to provide you with relevant information.
Q 3
What is the hardness range of TPE?
A
Hardness testing of TPE elastomers is typically performed using Shore hardness, which ranges from Shore C 20 to Shore D 72. Shown below are the hardness ranges for each TPE:
TPS (Thermoplastic Styrene) / Shore A 0 (Shore C 20) ~ Shore D 65. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) / Shore A 60 ~ Shore D 72. TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) / Shore A 50 ~ Shore D 65. TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) / Shore A 30 ~ Shore D 65. TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) / Shore A 85 ~ Shore D 72.Q 4
Processing method of TPE
A
Most TPEs can be processed by heating to melt and then cooling. The main molding methods are injection or dual-color injection molding, extrusion molding or co-extrusion, etc. In addition, we have some special specifications for blow and rotomolding materials. If you are interested in the production conditions and production parameters of various elastomers, please contact us, we will provide you with the most professional product advice and complete data sheets and product description materials for reference.
Q 5
Chemical resistance of TPE
A
TPE(S) has excellent acid and alkali solvent resistance, excellent cold resistance (-40°C~50°C), and high temperature resistance of about 90°C~110°C (can withstand the temperature of container transportation in summer). Grease resistance Solution (soaking will cause swelling), not resistant to any solvent in toluene, benzene, and general gasoline. For more in-depth TPE(S) test results, please contact our sales specialists for more information on chemical resistance.
Q 6
Plastic modification use
A
TPE(S) can be added to general plastics to toughen and improve impact resistance, such as: PP, PS, PE, etc., can increase elasticity and improve impact resistance of plastics. Engineering plastics also have corresponding toughening products, but the proportion of various plastics or engineering plastics that can be added is limited by the applicable specifications of TPE. It is recommended to provide the most suitable TPE for addition and toughening after discussion with our plastics engineering professionals.
Q 7
Introduction to the general types of TPE?
A
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TPEE :
Polyester TPE
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>The hardness is about Shore A 85 ~ Shore D 72, and the rebound performance is the largest excellent elastomer. |
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T P U :
PU type TPE
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>Injection grade, the hardness is about Shore A 60 ~ Shore D 72, and the abrasion resistance is very excellent, but the weather resistance (yellowing) and hydrolysis resistance (decomposition of humidity in the air) are the most important main disadvantage.
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| ● | T P O : Polyolefin TPE |
>Has the best weather resistance (UV) among elastomers, but has a small hardness range (except TPO-V). |
| ● | T P V : vulcanized TPE |
>EPDM+PP dynamic vulcanized TPE, the physical properties are similar to rubber products Excellent chemical resistance due to vulcanization, but poor abrasion resistance. There is also no way to withstand high temperatures (above 130 degrees Celsius) like rubber. |
| ● | T P S : Styrene TPE |
>Generally known as TPR, it is the most diverse type of TPE elastomer. It can be mixed into the chain according to product characteristics and needs. The material has great variability and can be produced together with other elastomers. It can also be combined with other elastomers. TPE has become a unique TPE product, which can be combined with a variety of plastics or engineering plastics for dual-color molding, which can provide customers with diversified and unlimited applications. |