7 Types of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)

Styrenic block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers, commonly known as TPE-S materials, are either made from SBS or SEBS. Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) is a type of TPE whose molecular structure consists of repeated styrene and butadiene units with styrene end caps. This structure creates hard blocks of styrene and soft blocks of butadiene. SBS is the most common TPE. Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS) is made by hydrogenating SBS, a process that breaks down the butane mid-block into ethylene butadiene. This process improves the TPE’s heat and chemical resistance, gives it good weathering resistance, and better protection against UV and ozone. SEBS can bond to other thermoplastics. It is ideal for outdoor applications.

TPE-S can be processed using standard melt-processing techniques like injection molding.

Applications for TPE-S

• Adhesives
• Asphalt modifying agents 
• Footwear
• Low-grade seals

Properties of TPE-S

• Electrically insulative
• Large hardness range
• Good abrasion resistance
• Colorless & transparent
• UV & ozone resistant

TPO materials, often referred to as thermoplastic olefins, are thermoplastic elastomers that blend polypropylene or polyethylene with an elastomer such as: EPDM, EPR, EO, or EB. These elastomers are typically not cross-linked. The various constituents are mechanically blended together. TPO has good thermal and chemical resistance. It does not exhibit many elastomeric properties and has a relatively high hardness of 80 on the Shore A scale. TPO is used in applications where standard polypropylene is not tough enough. TPO can be processed using injection molding, extrusion, or blow molding. 

Applications of TPO

• Automotive bumpers
• Dashboards
• Airbag covers
• Mudguards

Properties of TPO

• Flame retardant
• Excellent weather resistance
• Good chemical resistance
• Tougher than polypropylene copolymers

TPVs (Thermoplastic Vulcanisates), like TPOs, are made from a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM. However, in this case, the EPDM is vulcanized during compounding. TPVs have a wider hardness range. They also exhibit better elastomeric properties than TPOs. TPVs can resist temperatures up to 120°C and are widely used in vehicle engine compartments. TPV materials can be formed using standard melt-processing techniques like injection molding.

Applications of TPV

• Automotive seals
• Bellows
• Hoses
• Pipe seals

Properties of TPV

• High-temperature resistance of up to 120°C
• Low compression set
• Chemical and weather resistant
• Hardness range from 45A to 45D

TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) is formed by reacting diisocyanates with either a type of polyester or polyether polyol. The diisocyanates form the hard segments whereas the polyethers or polyesters form the soft segments. TPUs can be easily modified by changing the polyol and diisocyanate blend. TPU is typically processed with injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.

Applications of TPU

• Caster wheels
• Power tool grips
• Hoses and tubes
• Drive belts

Properties of TPU

• Excellent abrasion resistance
• High tensile strength
• Significant elastic elongation range
• Excellent tear strength
• Resistant to petroleum-based oils and fuels

TPE-Es (Thermoplastic Copolyesters) are high-performance thermoplastic elastomers that share many properties with thermosetting elastomer polymers while having the advantage of being melt-processible. TPE-Es are block copolymers that typically consist of hard segments made from polybutylene terephthalate alongside soft segments made from various polyesters. TPE-E is widely used in the medical industry. 

Applications of TPE-E

• Vehicle air ducts
• Ventilator bags
• Dust boots
• Conveyor belts

Properties of TPE-E

• Resistant to creep and compression set
• Excellent long-term resistance to temperatures up to 165C
• Resistant to oils and greases
• Electrically insulative
• Dimensionally stable

MPR is an alternative to vulcanized rubber and consists of a cross-linked halogenated polyolefin mixed with plasticizers and stabilizers. The primary purpose of MPR is to create rubber-like parts using thermoplastic processing equipment. MPR outperforms many other rubbers below an operating temperature of 120C.

Applications of MPR

• Automotive weather strips
• Inflatable boats
• Seals
• Goggles
• Hand grips

Properties of MPR

• UV resistant
• High friction coefficient
• Resistant to gasoline and oil

TPE-As consist of soft segments made from either polyethers or polyesters as well as hard segments made from polyamide. Different polyamides can be used such as polyesteramide (PEA), polyether ester amide (PEEA), or polycarbonate-esteramide (PCEA). The properties of an individual TPE-A depend heavily on the type of polyamide involved. TPE-A can be bonded to thermoplastic polyamides.

Applications of TPE-A

• Aerospace components
• Cable jacketing

Properties of TPE-A

• Excellent temperature resistance of up to 170C
• Good solvent resistance
• Good impact resistance
• Flexible at low temperatures
• Good wear resistance

This article reviewed the properties and applications of 7 different types of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs).

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