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TPE
Material Type
Elastomer Rubber
Material Full Name
Thermoplastic Elastomer
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, Compression Molding
Basic Properties
Property |
Parameter/Performance |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Thermoplastic Elastomer | Hybrid material combining rubber elasticity with plastic processability |
| Molecular Structure | Hard/soft phase microstructure | Hard segments provide strength, soft segments enable elasticity |
| Density | 0.9~1.3 g/cm³ | Varies by type (e.g., TPE-S: 0.9-1.1, TPE-V: 1.1-1.3) |
| Hardness Range | Shore A 10~90 / Shore D 30~50 | Mimics soft rubber to rigid plastic feel |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| – Tensile Strength | 5-30 MPa | High-performance formulations reach 15-50 MPa |
| – Elongation at Break | 200-1000% | Medical grades exceed 1500% |
| – Rebound Resilience | 30-70% | Close to vulcanized rubber (NR: 60-80%) |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| – Service Temperature | -60℃~120℃ (short-term 150℃) | Better low-temp performance than most rubbers |
| – Melt Temperature | 150-230℃ (type-dependent) | Wide processing window |
| Chemical Properties | ||
| – Oil Resistance | Poor (except TPE-O/TPE-V) | Swells in aromatics/esters |
| – Weatherability | Requires UV stabilizers (else degrades) | Outdoor lifespan: 3-8 years |
Processing Characteristics
No Vulcanization:
- Direct injection/extrusion (50-70% faster than rubber)
Drying Requirements:
- Most require no drying (<0.1% moisture)
- TPU exception (80℃ for 2-4 hours)
Processing Temps:
- TPE-S: 160-200℃ / TPU: 180-230℃ / TPE-V: 190-220℃
Mold Design:
- High-elasticity grades need large gates (prevents shear-induced cracking)
Common Application Areas
- Consumer Electronics: Earphone cables, smartwatch bands
- Automotive: Fenders, interior skins
- Medical: Breathing masks, IV tubes
- Tools: Power tool grips, garden sheaths
PET Modified Types
Type |
Base Chemistry |
Characteristics |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPE-S (Styrenic) | SBS/SEBS | Low cost, colorable, poor weatherability | Toys, grips, shoe soles |
| TPE-O (Olefinic) | PP/EPDM blends | Good oil/chemical resistance | Automotive seals, industrial hoses |
| TPE-U (Urethane) | TPU | High abrasion resistance/strength | Phone cases, rollers |
| TPE-V (Dynamic Vulcanizate) | PP/EPDM crosslinked | Best heat/fatigue resistance | Damping parts, medical tubing |
| TPE-E (Ester) | COPE | Heat/hydrolysis resistant | Auto intake hoses, sports gear |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 100% recyclable (no crosslinks) | Lower heat resistance vs. vulcanized rubber |
| 60% lower energy consumption | Poor oil resistance (e.g., TPE-S) |
| Design flexibility (overmolding/multi-hardness) | Higher compression set (20-40%) |
Other Elastomer & Rubber Material Selection
NR Rubber
PU Rubber
IIR Rubber
FKM Rubber
TPU Rubber
FAQ Of TPE Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
What is the biggest advantage of TPE material?
TPE combines the elasticity of rubber with the processability of plastics, enabling injection molding without vulcanization and being 100% recyclable.
What products commonly use TPE?
Widely used in flexible components like phone cases, automotive seals, medical device grips, sports equipment and consumer goods.
How to select TPE hardness levels?
Shore hardness typically ranges 10A-90A, with ultra-soft grades for high-touch products and firmer grades replacing some rubber applications.