Important information about thermoplastic elastomers

- Industrial Guidance : Dhiru Parekh

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a class of polymers or physical mixtures of polymers such as (plastic and rubber). Both these materials have thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.

Many elastomers are thermoset, thermoplastic contrast relative to injection molding. Thermoplastic elastomers are rubbery as well as plastic materials. Its process is similar to that of plastic. The structures of thermoset elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers are cross-linking bonds. TPE does not require a curing or vulcanizing process.

TPE entered the market around 1959 and its major average growth has been in the automotive sector. According to market research, the consumption of TPE was 2000 kt in 2005. As much as it was then in 2007 wordwise consumption was 2500 kt. As much as it was estimated, there was an increase of 12%. Finally, by the end of 2008, the consumption of TPA increased to 3000 kt. As much as it was.

The automotive market has been a niche market for TPA materials. It has great use in blowmolding engineering applications for rack and pinion boots, airdecks, ejection molded seal gaskets, plugs and car body sealing systems.

TPE has proven to be important for weight reduction, cost reduction, color ability, recyclability in original equipment manufacturing as per the new requirement for automotive industries.

Thermoplastic / Thermoset Elastomers: Elastomers fall into two groups of categories. It consists of thermoplastic and thermoset. TPA can be remelted/softened with heat. When it cools down to room temperature. Then becomes hard. Thermoplastics dissolve in certain specific solvents and can burn at certain degrees of heat.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): This product is a very popular polymer. It is a high performance elastomeric material. It is utilized for robust applications. Excellent abrasion resistant, cut and tear resistant, chemical resistant, hydrolytic stability, high tensile strength, high elasticity in the elastomeric materials family due to its unique balance properties. This polymer can occur in low-temperature and low-compressor sets.

Some Benefits of TPE: Design flexibility, Lower fabrication cost, Shorter processing time, Little or no compounding required, Scrap is fully recyclable, Consistency of products, Can be blow molded, Better control of products quality, Broader ranges in products density, Lower pre- On-pitch finesse part cost, more environmentally friendly.

TPE Classification: Many different families of TPE are known in the market place. For that classification based chemistry will be helpful.

Traditional TPE is known as two-phase system type. They consist of hard thermoplastic mechanically or chemically soft elastomer faces.

TPE is classified into two block co polymer and elastomeric alloy types. There are six generic classes of TPE as follows. Styrenic block copolymer, polyolefin blend, elastomeric alope, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic copolymer, thermoplastic polyamide.

New products and new developments are coming in TPE. More articles of that kind later.

License: The license under the Industries Act and clearance from Pollution Control Board and Explosives are required.