ThermoPlastic Elastomer
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a unique combination of properties of both plastics and rubber. These materials have both the flexibility and elasticity of rubber and the thermal processability of plastics. This unique combination has made TPEs one of the most popular materials in various industries.
TPE are typically composed of two or more polymers linked together in a block or branched structure. This structure allows them to have both elastomeric and thermoplastic properties.
Applications of TPEs
TPEs are used in a variety of industries due to their unique properties, including:
Automotive industry: Interior parts of cars such as gear levers, seat covers, and under-hood parts.
Medical industry: Medical gloves, medical tubing, and other medical equipment.
Sports industry: Athletic shoes, balls, and other sports equipment.
Packaging: Flexible packaging, airbags, and protective packaging.
Home use: Home appliances, toys, and other consumer products.
Electronic industry: Protective coverings for cables and electronic components.
ThermoPlastic Elastomer
Products | Grade | Elongation at break | Density (g/mm3) | Tensile strength | Applications | Data Sheet | MSDS |
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ThermoPlastic Elastomer | 200 – 375% | 1.15 – 1.25 g/cm³ | 10 – 45 MPa | ||||
ThermoPlastic Elastomer |
Applications | , , , |
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Related products
Bottle Grade
1.StructurePET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer belonging to the polyester family. The structure of PET bottle-grade material is based on long-chain polymer molecules formed through polycondensation of terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). The repeating unit in PET is: {-O-CH_2-CH_2-O-CO-C_6H_4-CO-} This structure consists of:
- Ester groups (-COO-) → Provide flexibility and durability
- Benzene rings (C₆H₄) → Contribute to rigidity and strength
- Ether bonds (-O-) → Help in processability and thermal stability
2.PropertiesPET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottle-grade resin possesses a unique combination of physical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and barrier properties, making it the preferred material for beverage and food packaging. It is highly transparent, lightweight, and has a smooth surface, providing an attractive and glossy finish for bottles. Mechanically, PET is strong, tough, and resistant to impact and stress-cracking, ensuring durability during handling and transportation. Its flexibility allows easy molding into various bottle shapes while maintaining high stiffness for structural integrity. Thermally, PET has a glass transition temperature of approximately 75–80°C and a melting point of around 250–265°C, making it stable under moderate heat conditions. Chemically, it exhibits excellent resistance to acids, oils, and solvents while maintaining hydrolytic stability in humid environments. Additionally, PET is non-toxic and food-safe, meeting regulatory standards such as those set by the FDA and EFSA. Its superior barrier properties help preserve the quality of packaged products by limiting oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability and preventing moisture absorption.A key advantage of PET bottle-grade material is its recyclability, as it is 100% recyclable and can be processed into recycled PET (rPET), promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. These properties collectively make PET an ideal choice for water bottles, soft drink containers, juice packaging, and other consumer goods that require clarity, strength, and food safety.
3. Applications of Bottle Grade PETBottle-grade PET is used across multiple industries due to its versatility and safety.
1. Food & Beverage Industry
Soft Drink & Water Bottles – Carbonated and non-carbonated beverages Dairy & Juice Containers – Milk, yogurt drinks, and fresh juices Edible Oil & Condiment Packaging – Cooking oils, sauces, and vinegar2 Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
Medicine Bottles – Liquid syrups and vitamin supplements Personal Care Packaging – Shampoo, lotion, and cosmetic containers3 Industrial & Chemical Applications
Household & Industrial Chemicals – Detergents, cleaning agents, and solvents Laboratory Containers – Sterile packaging for chemicals and reagents4 Sustainable Packaging & Recycled PET Products
Recycled PET Bottles – Used in textiles, automotive parts, and reusable packaging Eco-Friendly Packaging – Biodegradable and sustainable bottle solutions4. Advantages of Bottle Grade PETBottle-grade PET offers multiple benefits, making it the preferred material for packaging. Cost-Effective: Lower production costs compared to glass and metal Shatterproof & Durable: Reduces breakage risks in transportation and usage Lightweight: Decreases shipping weight and carbon footprint Versatile & Moldable: Easily shaped into different bottle designs Safe for Food Contact: Approved by FDA and EFSA for direct food and beverage use Eco-Friendly: Supports recycling and sustainable initiatives
5. Disadvantages of Bottle Grade PETDespite its benefits, bottle-grade PET has some drawbacks: Environmental Concerns: Improper disposal leads to plastic pollution Heat Sensitivity: Deforms at high temperatures, limiting hot-fill applications Gas Permeability: Less effective than glass in preventing oxygen ingress Chemical Leaching (Low Risk): May release trace amounts of antimony oxide under extreme conditions Recycling Challenges: Requires advanced sorting and processing to maintain quality
Expandable PolyStyrene (EPS)
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid, closed-cell thermoplastic foam material produced from solid polystyrene beads. This polymer is obtained by polymerizing styrene monomer and contains a blowing agent (typically pentane) dissolved within the polystyrene beads.
Each solid bead of polystyrene contains small amounts of this gas, which expands when exposed to heat (in the form of steam), forming a closed-cell foam structure. These expanded cells can occupy up to 40 times the volume of the original polystyrene beads. Through further heat treatment and molding, large EPS blocks can be shaped into custom forms and components for diverse industrial uses.
Structure of Expanded Polystyrene
The structure of EPS consists of small, closed-cell foam beads made from polystyrene. When heated, these beads expand to as much as 50 times their original size. Each bead contains numerous microscopic air cavities that contribute to its lightweight and insulating properties.
Properties of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
EPS serves as a core polymer material in many applications due to its lightweight, moisture resistance, and long service life.
Studies show that softening of EPS begins between 100 °C and 120 °C. During thermal degradation, it melts at approximately 160 °C, vaporizes, and at around 275 °C, releases toxic gases.
EPS is an inert, low-density hydrocarbon thermoplastic, consisting of spherical granules that are approximately 2% polystyrene and 98% air.
Applications of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
1. Building and Construction
EPS is widely used in construction because of its excellent thermal insulation and lightweight characteristics. It is used as:
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Insulation panels for façades, walls, roofs, and floors.
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Buoyant material in marine structures such as marinas and floating bridges.
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Lightweight fill in road and railway embankments to reduce soil load.
2. Food Packaging
EPS is commonly used in food packaging for products such as seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
It is also used for food-service containers, including drink cups, food trays, and clamshell boxes.
3. Industrial Packaging
EPS provides complete protection for industrial products during handling and transportation, ensuring safety against shock and mechanical damage.
4. Other Applications
EPS can be molded into virtually any shape — for example:
Sport helmets, child car seats, cushioning pads, structural insulated panels (SIPs), and lightweight automotive seating.
Advantages of EPS
✅ Lightweight
✅ Water-resistant
✅ Easy to manufacture
✅ Energy-efficient
✅ Durable and long-lasting
Disadvantages of EPS
❌ Vulnerable to mechanical compression
❌ Limited fire resistance
❌ Non-biodegradable
EPS Market Price in Iran
The price of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in Iran depends on various factors, including market fluctuations, grade type, manufacturer brand, and supply-demand conditions.
For the latest EPS pricing, you can contact our commercial experts to receive up-to-date market rates and guidance on selecting the most cost-effective material.
Purchasing EPS
To purchase EPS, our technical experts can assist you in selecting the appropriate grade to ensure precise and efficient production tailored to your product requirements.
Common EPS Grades
EPS-200 (Snowa Grade)
Snowa EPS-200 is a versatile grade of lightweight expandable polystyrene with medium-to-coarse bead size and high moldability. It is widely used in packaging, insulation, and lightweight ceiling block production.
This grade contains a controlled amount of pentane blowing agent for optimal pre-expansion and molding performance.
F100 EPS
F100 EPS is a specialized grade designed for producing lightweight, insulated, and moldable products across various industries.
Due to its excellent mechanical properties, thermal performance, and high formability, it is ideal for packaging, construction, and industrial components.
EPS-200 (Tabriz Petrochemical)
EPS-200 from Tabriz Petrochemical is a high-density, durable EPS grade used for insulation and structural components.
It features excellent dimensional stability, precise molding capability, and outstanding thermal resistance, making it suitable for construction, industrial packaging, and technical molding applications.
EPS-300 (Tabriz Petrochemical)
Similar to EPS-200, EPS-300 is produced by Tabriz Petrochemical and offers high density, multi-stage pre-expansion capability, and precise molding characteristics.
It is primarily used in construction, heavy-duty industrial packaging, and structural components.
EPS Manufacturing Process
1. Pre-Expansion
Raw EPS beads are exposed to steam, which vaporizes the blowing agent, expanding the beads several times their original volume.
Precise control of temperature and time determines the final foam density.
2. Stabilization
The expanded beads are stored in ventilated silos to allow internal pressure to equalize, ensuring they are ready for molding.
This step is crucial to achieving uniform, defect-free foam.
3. Molding
Pre-expanded beads are placed in molds and reheated with steam. The beads fuse together, forming a solid part in the desired shape and dimensions — such as blocks, sheets, or custom components.
4. Drying and Cutting
After molding, the final product is dried and, if necessary, cut to the required dimensions.
Key Features of EPS
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Lightweight and excellent thermal insulation → ideal for building insulation (walls, ceilings, floors).
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Shock absorption and energy dissipation → suitable for protective packaging of sensitive equipment.
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Easy and economical processing → enables high-volume production at low cost.
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Recyclable → reduces environmental impact and promotes sustainability.
Market Outlook and Industry Insights
With the continuous growth of the construction and packaging sectors, global and domestic demand for Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is steadily increasing.
Companies investing in modern production equipment and precise process control can produce EPS with uniform quality meeting international standards.
Summary
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is one of the most important lightweight and insulating polymers used in construction, packaging, and technical applications.
Its low weight, excellent thermal and moisture resistance, and easy processability make it a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional insulation materials, helping reduce energy consumption and production costs.
EPS is available in several grades — including F100, EPS-200, and EPS-300 — each optimized for specific uses such as ceiling blocks, industrial packaging foam, and thermal insulation panels.
The choice of grade depends on density, cell size, and blowing-agent content, all of which determine the mechanical performance of the final product.
Economically, EPS pricing in Iran is influenced by global styrene prices, exchange rates, and supply levels from domestic petrochemical producers such as Tabriz Petrochemical and Qa’ed Basir Petrochemical.
Selecting a reliable supplier and maintaining real-time pricing awareness are key factors for successful production planning.
Tamin Kala Tech Co., leveraging an extensive domestic and international supply network, provides specialized EPS grades for diverse industries.
Our technical support team offers expert consultation on grade selection, processing conditions, and production optimization to help improve your product quality and operational efficiency.
Extrusion
Hot extrusionHot extrusion is a hot working process, which means it is done above the material’s recrystallization temperature to keep the material from work hardening and to make it easier to push the material through the die. Most hot extrusions are done on horizontal hydraulic presses that range from 230 to 11,000 metric tons . Pressures range from 30 to 700 MPa , therefore lubrication is required, which can be oil or graphite for lower temperature extrusions, or glass powder for higher temperature extrusions. The biggest disadvantage of this process is its cost for machinery and its upkeep.
Cold extrusionCold Extrusion is a push-through compressive forming process with the starting material (billet/slug) at room temperature. During the process, however, the deforming material undergoes deformation heating (conversion of deformation work to heat) to several hundred degrees. Typically, a punch is used to apply pressure to the billet enclosed, partially or completely, in a stationary die.
Advantages of Extrusion:
- Cost-effective for large-scale production with minimal waste.
- Versatile: Supports various materials and shapes.
- Customizable: Additives and design flexibility.
- Consistent quality and scalable production.
- Energy-efficient and integrates with other processes.
Disadvantages of Extrusion:
- Material limitations: Not all polymers are suitable.
- High setup costs: Equipment and dies are expensive.
- Dimensional variability: Cooling shrinkage and die swell.
- Shape limitations: Intricate designs are challenging.
- Quality control issues: Surface defects and material inconsistencies.
- Post-processing needs: Cutting, finishing, or coating required.
- Environmental concerns: Energy use and plastic waste.
Application of extrusion1.Construction Industry
- Pipes and tubing (e.g., PVC pipes, drainage systems).
- Window and door profiles (e.g., uPVC frames).
- Insulation materials (e.g., foam boards, weather seals).
- Plastic films and sheets (e.g., food packaging, shrink wraps).
- Containers and trays.
- Seals and gaskets.
- Wire and cable insulation.
- Interior trims and protective sheathing.
- Straws, ropes, and garden hoses.
- Plastic profiles for furniture or appliances.
- Wire and cable coatings.
- Conduits for electrical wiring.
- Catheters, tubing, and other medical-grade profiles.
- Conveyor belts and guides.
- Protective linings for machinery.
- Irrigation tubing and films.
- Greenhouse covers.
Low Density PolyEthylene Injection (LDPE)
StructureThe structure of LDPE injection molding grade is characterized by a highly branched, amorphous polymer configuration, which distinguishes it from other forms of polyethylene such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The polymer chains in LDPE are irregularly branched, meaning the chains do not pack closely together, resulting in a low degree of crystallinity. The polymerization of LDPE occurs through free-radical polymerization, typically under high pressure, which causes the long chains of the polymer to have side branches. For the injection molding grade, the polymer structure is tailored to achieve a higher melt flow index (MFI), which facilitates the material's smooth flow and filling into injection molds.
PropertiesLDPE injection molding grade is a versatile polymer characterized by its high degree of branching and amorphous structure, which results in excellent flexibility. This material ensures smooth and efficient flow during the injection molding process. This makes it suitable for producing intricate parts with good surface finish. LDPE injection molding grade exhibits moderate tensile strength (around 8-12 MPa) and excellent elongation at break, providing resistance to cracking and impact. The material is also known for its good chemical resistance, particularly against acids, bases, and alcohols, while being less resistant to hydrocarbons. Additionally, it offers low moisture absorption and performs well under low temperatures, maintaining its flexibility. LDPE is easy to process and heat sealable. Despite its high impact resistance and toughness, it has a relatively low stiffness compared to higher-density polyethylene grades.
Applications
- Consumer Products:
- Household containers, lids, and dispensers
- Toys and other recreational items
- Furniture parts and lightweight molded components
- Packaging Industry:
- Caps, closures, and flexible lids
- Cosmetic and personal care packaging
- Food storage containers (FDA-approved grades)
- Medical & Pharmaceutical:
- Syringes, laboratory equipment, and sterile packaging
- Medical device housings and disposable instruments
- Industrial & Electrical:
- Cable coatings and wire insulation
- Protective covers and soft-touch components
- Pipes and low-pressure fittings
- Automotive Industry:
- Interior trims, protective covers, and soft components
- Fluid storage containers and under-the-hood parts
- Construction & Agriculture:
- Waterproofing membranes, gaskets, and sealants
- Molded irrigation components
Advantages
- Excellent Processability
- High Flexibility & Impact Resistance
- Lightweight Material
- Good Chemical & Moisture Resistance
- Food-Safe and Non-Toxic
- Cost-Effective
Disadvantages
- Low Mechanical Strength
- Limited Heat Resistance
- Poor UV Resistance
- Not Biodegradable
- Weak Barrier Properties
Suspension
StructurePolyvinyl Chloride (PVC) suspension grade is a thermoplastic polymer produced through the suspension polymerization process. In this method, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is dispersed in water with the help of suspending agents and polymerized using free radical initiators. The resulting PVC resin consists of fine, porous, and free-flowing particles with a relatively high molecular weight, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The polymer structure is primarily composed of repeating vinyl chloride units (–CH₂–CHCl–), forming a linear polymer chain with varying degrees of polymerization. PVC suspension grade is widely used in the manufacturing of pipes, fittings, films, sheets, and rigid as well as flexible products due to its excellent mechanical strength, durability, and chemical resistance. The properties of the resin, such as particle size, porosity, and bulk density, can be adjusted by controlling the polymerization conditions, making it versatile for different industrial applications.
PropertiesPVC suspension grade exhibits a combination of excellent physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, making it highly versatile for industrial applications. It appears as a white, free-flowing powder with a bulk density ranging from 0.45 to 0.65 g/cm³ and a particle size typically between 50-250 microns. Its high porosity allows for better plasticizer absorption, making it suitable for both rigid and flexible products. Mechanically, it offers good tensile strength, typically between 40-60 MPa, and moderate to high impact resistance, which can be enhanced with additives. Chemically, PVC suspension grade is highly resistant to acids, bases, and many chemicals, ensuring durability in harsh environments. It also has low water absorption, which provides excellent dimensional stability. However, it is susceptible to UV degradation, requiring stabilizers for outdoor applications. These properties make PVC suspension grade ideal for manufacturing pipes, profiles, films, and various other rigid and flexible products.
Applications
- Construction Industry: Pipes, fittings, window profiles, doors, roofing sheets
- Packaging Industry: Films, sheets, bottles
- Automotive Industry: Interior trims, dashboards, wire insulation
- Medical Sector: Tubing, blood bags, IV containers
- Electrical Applications: Cable insulation, coatings
Advantages
- High durability and strength – Ideal for long-term use
- Excellent chemical resistance – Withstands acids, bases, and oils
- Cost-effective – Affordable compared to other polymers
- Low water absorption – Ensures dimensional stability
- Easily processable – Can be molded, extruded, and shaped easily
- Customizable – Properties can be modified with additives
Disadvantages
- UV degradation – Becomes brittle under prolonged sunlight exposure
- Toxic gas release – Emits harmful gases (HCl) when burned
- Health concerns – Some plasticizers used in flexible PVC may have risks
- Not biodegradable – Raises environmental concerns regarding disposal
TetrafluoroEthylene/perfluoroPropylene copolymers (FEP)
StructureThe structure of Tetrafluoroethylene/Perfluoropropylene (FEP) copolymer consists of a randomly distributed backbone of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) monomer units. The TFE units provide the high thermal and chemical resistance characteristic of fluoropolymers, while the HFP units introduce branching that disrupts crystallinity, enhancing flexibility and melt processability. The polymer chain is composed of repeating –CF₂–CF₂– segments from TFE and –CF₂–CF(CF₃)– segments from HFP, where the bulky trifluoromethyl (-CF₃) groups reduce intermolecular forces, lowering the melting point compared to PTFE. This molecular architecture results in a copolymer with excellent non-stick properties, chemical inertness, and transparency while being more easily processed using conventional melt-processing techniques.
PropertiesTetrafluoroethylene/Perfluoropropylene (FEP) copolymers exhibit a unique combination of thermal stability, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and mechanical flexibility. They can withstand continuous exposure to high temperatures up to 200°C (392°F) while maintaining their structural integrity. FEP is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents, making it ideal for harsh environments. Its non-stick and low-friction surface prevents adhesion and contamination, similar to PTFE. Unlike PTFE, FEP is melt-processable, allowing for fabrication through extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding. It also possesses excellent electrical insulating properties, with a low dielectric constant and high breakdown voltage, making it a preferred choice for wire and cable insulation. Additionally, FEP is optically transparent, resistant to UV radiation, and does not degrade under prolonged exposure to environmental factors, further enhancing its suitability for industrial, aerospace, and medical applications.
Applications of FEP Copolymers:
- Wire & Cable Insulation: Used in aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications due to high heat and chemical resistance.
- Chemical Processing Equipment: Linings for pipes, valves, and tanks in harsh chemical environments.
- Medical Tubing & Catheters: Biocompatible and resistant to sterilization processes.
- Food & Beverage Industry: Non-stick coatings for cooking equipment and food processing machinery.
- Semiconductor Industry: Used in chip manufacturing equipment due to high purity and chemical resistance.
- Heat Shrink Tubing: Provides electrical insulation and protection in extreme environments.
- Optical Fiber Coatings: Protects fibers in harsh conditions without affecting signal transmission.
- Laboratory Equipment: Used for beakers, flasks, and other chemical-resistant lab tools.
Advantages of FEP Copolymers:
- Excellent Chemical Resistance: Inert to most acids, bases, and solvents.
- High Thermal Stability: Can withstand temperatures up to ~200°C (392°F).
- Non-Stick Properties: Similar to PTFE (Teflon), preventing adhesion of substances.
- Low Friction: Reduces wear in moving parts and improves efficiency.
- Electrical Insulation: High dielectric strength makes it ideal for electrical applications.
- Transparent & UV Resistant: Can be used in optical and outdoor applications.
- Biocompatibility: Safe for medical and food-contact applications.
Disadvantages of FEP Copolymers:
- Lower Mechanical Strength: Weaker than PTFE in terms of tensile strength and wear resistance.
- Higher Cost: More expensive than common plastics like PVC or polyethylene.
- Limited Temperature Resistance: Slightly lower thermal stability than PTFE.
- Difficult Processing: Requires specialized molding and extrusion techniques.
- Fluorine Emission on Decomposition: Can release toxic fumes if overheated beyond its thermal limits.
Thermoplastic Copolyesters (COPE)/(TPEE)
PropertiesThermoplastic Copolyesters (COPE), also known as Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomers (TPEE), combine the mechanical strength of engineering plastics with the flexibility and resilience of elastomers. They exhibit excellent elasticity, allowing them to return to their original shape after deformation, while also providing high tensile strength and durability. COPE materials offer outstanding chemical and solvent resistance, making them suitable for harsh environments. Their thermal stability enables them to maintain performance across a wide temperature range, with good low-temperature flexibility and resistance to heat aging. Additionally, they possess excellent abrasion resistance, impact strength, and fatigue resistance, ensuring longevity in demanding applications. With easy processability through injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding, COPE is widely used in automotive, industrial, consumer, and medical applications where a balance of toughness, flexibility, and chemical resistance is required.
StructureThermoplastic Copolyesters (COPE), also known as Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomers (TPEE), are a class of high-performance elastomers that combine the characteristics of both thermoplastics and rubbers. Their structure consists of alternating soft and hard segments, where the soft segments are typically made of aliphatic polyether or polyester, providing flexibility and elasticity, while the hard segments are composed of polyester blocks, offering strength, thermal resistance, and durability. This segmented block copolymer structure enables TPEEs to exhibit excellent mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength, impact resistance, and superior fatigue endurance. The presence of ester linkages in the hard phase contributes to chemical resistance and heat stability, while the soft phase ensures flexibility even at low temperatures. Due to this unique molecular architecture, COPEs find applications in various industries, including automotive, consumer goods, electrical components, and medical devices, where both resilience and processability are essential.
Applications
- Automotive: Used in air ducts, CVJ boots, bellows, gaskets, and wire coatings due to high heat and chemical resistance.
- Industrial & Mechanical: Employed in conveyor belts, hoses, seals, and grommets for durability and flexibility.
- Consumer Goods: Found in footwear soles, sports equipment, and flexible smartphone components for comfort and toughness.
- Electrical & Electronics: Used in cable insulation, connectors, and protective coatings due to excellent dielectric properties.
- Medical Devices: Applied in tubing, catheters, and soft-touch grips because of biocompatibility and sterilization resistance.
Advantages
- High Elasticity & Flexibility: Maintains shape and flexibility even under stress.
- Excellent Heat Resistance: Performs well at elevated temperatures compared to other TPEs.
- Superior Mechanical Strength: Offers high tensile strength, impact resistance, and fatigue endurance.
- Good Chemical Resistance: Resistant to oils, solvents, and many industrial chemicals.
- Wide Processing Window: Easily processed through injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.
- Recyclable: More environmentally friendly than thermoset elastomers.
Disadvantages
- Higher Cost: More expensive than other thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs).
- Limited Low-Temperature Flexibility: Can become less flexible at extremely low temperatures compared to TPU.
- Absorbs Moisture: May require drying before processing to prevent defects.
- Processing Challenges: Requires precise temperature control during molding and extrusion
Thermoplastic PolyAmide elastomer (TPA)
StructureThe structure of Thermoplastic Polyamide Elastomer (TPA) consists of a phase-separated morphology with alternating soft and hard segments. The soft segments are typically composed of polyether or polyester chains, which provide flexibility, elasticity, and low-temperature performance. The hard segments are derived from polyamide (nylon) components, contributing to mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. This block copolymer structure allows TPAs to exhibit both rubber-like elasticity and thermoplastic processability. The hard polyamide domains act as physical crosslinks, reinforcing the material and providing shape stability, while the soft segments allow for stretchability and energy absorption. This unique microstructure enables TPAs to maintain excellent mechanical properties while being reprocessable and recyclable like conventional thermoplastics.
PropertiesThermoplastic Polyamide Elastomer (TPA) exhibits a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and chemical resistance, making it a highly versatile material. It possesses high elasticity and excellent recovery, allowing it to behave like rubber while maintaining thermoplastic processability. TPAs offer superior mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and durability, making them suitable for demanding applications. They also demonstrate outstanding chemical and oil resistance, particularly against fuels, solvents, and industrial chemicals, which enhances their performance in harsh environments. Additionally, TPAs have good thermal stability, allowing them to withstand a wide range of temperatures without significant degradation. However, due to their hygroscopic nature, they tend to absorb moisture from the environment, requiring proper drying before processing. Despite this, their lightweight nature, recyclability, and ease of processing through standard thermoplastic methods such as injection molding and extrusion make TPAs an attractive choice for various industries, including automotive, electronics, and medical applications.
Applications of TPA
- Automotive: Fuel lines, air ducts, seals, gaskets, and hoses.
- Electronics: Wire insulation, connectors, and protective casings.
- Medical Devices: Tubing, catheters, flexible components, and grips.
- Industrial Machinery: Conveyor belts, seals, vibration dampeners, and flexible couplings.
- Sports & Consumer Goods: Shoe soles, flexible grips, protective gear, and wear-resistant textiles.
Advantages of TPAHigh chemical and oil resistance – Withstands fuels, solvents, and industrial chemicals. Excellent mechanical strength – Offers toughness, durability, and abrasion resistance. Good flexibility and elasticity – Provides rubber-like properties with thermoplastic processing benefits. Wide temperature range stability – Performs well in both high and low temperatures. Lightweight and recyclable – More sustainable compared to traditional rubber. Easy processing – Can be injection molded, extruded, or blow molded.
Disadvantages of TPAHigher cost – More expensive than standard thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Hygroscopic nature – Absorbs moisture, requiring drying before processing. Lower flexibility than fully vulcanized rubber – May not match the elasticity of certain elastomers. Limited UV resistance – Some grades may require UV stabilizers for outdoor applications.
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