Thermoplastics elastomer tpe s with their uses and

Thermoplastics Elastomer (TPE’s) With Their Uses And Features Thermoplastic Elastomers or TPEs are a class of polymers that can be frequently stretched without everlastingly deforming the shape of the part. Different from rubber like elastomers, TPEs do not need vulcanization or curing because they are real thermoplastics. In addition, TPEs can be processed by conventional thermoplastic techniques like injection molding, blow and extrusion molding. There are six key thermoplastic elastomer groups found commercially:      

Styrenic Block Copolymers Polyolefin Blends (TPOs) Elastomeric Alloys Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs) Thermoplastic Copolyesters Thermoplastic Polyamides

Key Use(s) TPE’s used in a wide range of applications that spans, right from bumpers to bellows, grommets, vibrational dampers, to couplers. Thermoplastic Elastomers can also be used throughout the automotive, aerospace industries, Gaskets, Over molding, Medical/Healthcare Applications, Consumer Applications, Grommets and General Purpose.

Features In almost all cases, the replacement of these materials for conventional thermosetting materials results in such advantages as considerably increased production speeds and the ability to use again clean scrap without any loss in physical properties. This results in a reduced part cost because of decreased scrap loss. Some general properties of TPE’s are summarized below:    

Good Processability Good Colorability Good UV Resistance Good Chemical Resistance

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Good Weather Resistance Good Adhesion Ozone Resistant Block Copolymer Recyclable Material

In addition, thermoplastic Elastomers are available in a wide range of durometers and colors and the physical properties can be customized by adjusting the percentage of plastic segments in the copolymer matrix. For instance, as styrene content is raised in polystyrene elastomer block copolymers, then they change from weak rubber to strong elastomers, to tough materials to ultimately hard, glass-like products with above 75 percent styrene content.

Limitations of TPE’s The physical properties of TPE’s are very much dependent upon the properties of the plastic with elastomeric regions of the copolymer. Thus, the behavior of the TPE changes as the temperature changes. The high temperature limit is termed by the melting point of the plastic phase, over which the material softens and starts to flow. On the other side, the low temperature limit is described by the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the rubber phase, lower which the material is brittle. Tg is one of the most vital properties of any epoxy (a plastic or other material made from a class of synthetic thermosetting polymers having epoxide groups). Epoxy is the temperature region where the polymer transitions from a solid, glassy material to a soft rubbery material. This results in lowering the overall heat resistance of the copolymer.

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