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TPU
Material Type
Elastomer Rubber
Material Full Name
Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, Compression Molding
Basic Properties
Property |
Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Thermoplastic Polyurethane |
| Density | 1.10–1.25 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Shore A/D) | 60A–85D (wide adjustable range) |
| Tensile Strength | 30–70 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 300–700% |
| Melting Point | 120–200°C (depends on specific type) |
| Thermal Stability | -40°C to 120°C (short-term up to 150°C) |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to oils, solvents, and ozone, but susceptible to strong acids/bases |
| Weather Resistance | Good (UV-resistant, but may yellow over time) |
Processing Characteristics
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Hygroscopicity: TPU absorbs moisture easily and must be dried before processing (typically 80–110°C for 2–4 hours).
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Melting Temperature: Recommended processing temperature is 180–220°C; excessive heat causes degradation.
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Flowability: High melt viscosity requires higher injection pressure (suitable for injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding).
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Cooling Rate: Rapid cooling reduces crystallinity (improves transparency), while slow cooling enhances mechanical strength.
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Mold Design: High elasticity may complicate demolding (ejector pins or angled cores are recommended).
Common Application Areas
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Industrial: Seals, hydraulic hoses, conveyor belts, cable sheathing.
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Consumer Goods: Sports shoe soles, phone cases, smartwatch bands.
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Medical: Catheters, artificial blood vessels (requires biocompatibility certification).
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Automotive: Dashboard padding, wire harness protection tubes.
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Others: 3D printing filaments (flexible supports), diving equipment (water pressure resistance).
TPU Modified Types
Type |
Modification Method |
Key Improvements |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass-Fiber Reinforced TPU | 5–20% short glass fibers | Increased stiffness, creep resistance | Industrial gears |
| Flame-Retardant TPU | Halogen-free additives (e.g., phosphorus) | UL94 V-0/V-2 compliance | Cable jackets |
| Anti-Static TPU | Conductive fillers (e.g., carbon nanotubes) | Surface resistivity 10⁶–10⁹Ω | Electronic packaging |
| Weather-Resistant TPU | UV/oxidation stabilizers | Anti-yellowing, extended outdoor life | Automotive trims |
| Medical-Grade TPU | ISO 10993 certification | Biocompatibility, sterilizability | Catheters, surgical films |
| Transparent TPU | Aliphatic isocyanates | >90% light transmittance | Optical covers |
| Foamed TPU | Physical/chemical foaming | Lightweight, energy absorption | Shoe insoles |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent elasticity and abrasion resistance | Higher cost compared to TPE or PVC |
| Adjustable hardness range | Prone to hydrolysis in humid environments (especially polyester-based) |
| High tear and impact resistance | May stick at high temperatures (requires anti-blocking agents) |
| Eco-friendly (recyclable, no plasticizers) | Strict processing requirements (drying and temperature control) |
| Transparent/color options (aliphatic TPU) | Poor resistance to strong acids/bases |
Other Elastomer & Rubber Material Selection
NR Rubber
PU Rubber
IIR Rubber
FKM Rubber
TPE Rubber
FAQ Of TPU Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
What are the core engineering properties of TPU?
TPU exhibits outstanding wear resistance (8-10x natural rubber), high elasticity recovery (>90%) and mechanical strength, while maintaining performance across wide temperature ranges (-40℃ to 120℃).
What are TPU's high-end industrial applications?
Primarily used in demanding fields like industrial drive belts, hydraulic seals, 3D printing filaments, military boot soles and medical catheters where extreme material performance is required.
How to select TPU hardness and modified types?
Standard hardness ranges 70A-85D, with polyester types offering higher mechanical strength, polyether types better hydrolysis resistance, and special modifications providing UV/flame resistance etc.