Product Overview
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a family of rubber-like materials that exhibit both the elasticity of rubber and the processability of plastics. TPEs can be melted, molded, and reprocessed like plastics, but offer softness, flexibility, and resilience similar to vulcanized rubber β without the need for curing or vulcanization.
TPEs are available in multiple types based on polymer chemistry and application, including SBS, SEBS, TPV, TPO, TPU, and COPE.
Key Features & Benefits
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π Rubber-like Feel & Flexibility
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π§ Thermoplastic Processability β injection, extrusion, blow molding
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β»οΈ 100% Recyclable & Reprocessable
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π§ͺ Customizable Hardness (Shore A 5 to Shore D 70)
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π‘οΈ Wide Temperature Resistance (-50Β°C to +135Β°C depending on grade)
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π§ Good Chemical and UV Resistance
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π Soft-Touch Finish β perfect for grips, handles, footwear
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π©Ί Medical and Food-Grade Variants Available
Technical Specifications (Typical Range)
| Property | Range |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Shore A/D) | 5A β 70D |
| Density | 0.89 β 1.25 g/cmΒ³ |
| Tensile Strength | 3 β 25 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 200 β 800% |
| Compression Set | Low to moderate (depends on TPE type) |
| Processing Temperature | 160 β 250Β°C |
| Color | Natural, Black, or Custom Color-Matched |
Types of TPEs
| Type | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| TPE-S (SBS, SEBS) | Styrenic block copolymers | Grips, toys, overmolding, soft-touch |
| TPO | Thermoplastic polyolefins (PP+rubber) | Automotive bumpers, roofing, outdoor |
| TPV | Vulcanized rubber in a PP matrix | Under-the-hood, seals, gaskets |
| TPU | Polyurethane-based TPE | Footwear, electronics, films, cables |
| COPE (TPC) | Copolyester elastomer | Industrial parts, automotive interiors |
| COPA | Copolyamide elastomer | Harsh environments, high temp & chemical resistance |
Applications
Automotive
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Seals, gaskets, air ducts, mats, interior soft-touch panels
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TPV & TPO grades used for under-hood durability
Consumer Goods
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Toothbrush grips, razors, pens, power tools, kitchenware
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Soft-touch SEBS or TPE-S types ideal for overmolding
Footwear
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Midsoles, soles, and cushioning pads
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TPU and SEBS grades are common
Medical & Hygiene
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Tubes, valves, syringe plungers, medical connectors
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Medical-grade TPE is latex-free, hypoallergenic
Industrial & Electrical
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Cable insulation, grommets, wire jacketing
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Flame-retardant and oil-resistant TPEs available
Processing & Compatibility
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β Processes: Injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, overmolding
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π Compatible With: PP, PE, ABS, PC, and other substrates (grade-dependent)
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π£ Overmolding Ready: Excellent adhesion grades for 2K molding
Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance
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β»οΈ Fully Recyclable (in-process or post-use)
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β Grades Available for:
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RoHS
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REACH
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FDA / EU Food Contact
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ISO 10993 / USP Class VI (Medical)
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Halogen-Free Flame Retardant on request
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Packaging & Supply
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | 25 kg bags / 1-ton jumbo bags / boxed pellets |
| Color | Natural, Black, or Custom Colored |
| Form | Pellets (regular, micro-pellet, or soft-touch) |
| Lead Time | 5β10 working days |
| MOQ | 500 kg (standard), 1 ton (customized grades) |
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