What is tpe plastic

Thermosets such as epoxy resins are polymers that are tightly crosslinked via chemical bonds and do not melt. They maintain their crosslinked structure even at high temperatures and are characterized by high strength and stiffness.

Under stress, they are subject to brittle fracture example: epoxy resins. Elastomers , often referred to as rubbers, are chemically crosslinked polymers. They are considerably less densely crosslinked than thermosets, leaving larger elastic areas between the individual cross-links. These areas are crucial to their elastic properties. Elastomers cannot be melted again. Once they have been crosslinked they will maintain their shape. Basically, thermoplastic elastomers can be divided into two types: reactor-made TPEs e.

The properties of TPE compounds result from mixing two polymers to form a so-called compound. TPEs are used in a versatile range of applications in various sectors, meeting the industry-specific requirements. They are used not only for control elements in automotive interiors but also for exterior window encapsulations and under-the-hood seals.

In industrial products, they are used for tool handles and cable grommets , for example. In consumer goods, TPEs are found in toys , sports equipment , packaging , and hygiene articles such as toothbrushes and razors. For medical applications, special compounds that meet the strict requirements in this sector have been developed. These applications include drip chambers, seals and medical tubing.

After forming, uniform cooling is required to minimize warpage and distortion. Tech Tip — TPE is hygroscopic, meaning it will absorb moisture from the air, and marred surfaces on formed parts may occur unless stored properly.

TPE should be stored in a cool, dry area in a polyethylene bag or with polyethylene masking intact. Material that has been subjected to high humidity or left in storage for an extended period of time should be pre-dried. Environmental an cost pressures require more and more materials to be recycleable, TPE processing scrap, reject parts or end of life products can be easily reprocessed, whereas most thermosetting elastomers end up as land fill.

Additional advantages over thermoset rubber provided by TPEs include excellent colourability and a lower density. These are supplied under six trade names that represent different technologies, including di- and tri-block hydrogenated styrene block copolymers Tekron, Elexar, and Monprene , thermoplastic polyolefin blends Telcar , thermoplastic vulcanizates Uniprene , and over-molding compositions designed to bond to diverse polar substrates Tekbond.

TPEs are a unique class of engineering materials combining the look, feel and elasticity of conventional thermoset rubber with the processing efficiency of plastics. The melt-processability of TPEs makes them very suitable for high-volume injection moulding and extrusion. They can also be reclaimed and recycled.

As elastomers, TPEs exhibit high elasticity. Our range of grades encompasses rubberlike properties and offer a wide range of durometers, low compression set, and high elongation. Related Categories Plastipedia. Join the BPF. Their unique blend of processability, functionality, customization and properties makes them the first choice of both design engineers and processors.

Therefore these materials offer the ability to enhance the quality of any writing product. This series of compounds from Teknor Apex has a wide range of approvals for Air Bag Covers and is able to satisfy C in-chamber deployment, whilst eliminating the painting process required by materials such as COPE. Uniprene XL pushes the boundaries of performance even further. Fire Wall Grommets. Weather Stripping. Expansion Joints.

Business Machines. Rollers for Printers. Vibration Isolators. Fluid Delivery. Plumbing Seals. Sporting Goods. Scuba Equipment.

Molded Connectors. Cabling Applications. Food Contact.