Maleic anhydride grafted TPE

Maleic anhydride grafted thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-g-MA) is a modified thermoplastic elastomer in which maleic anhydride (MA) is grafted onto the polymer backbone. This modification introduces polar functional groups that enhance adhesion, compatibility with polar materials, and chemical reactivity, making it valuable in various applications.

Structure Maleic anhydride grafted TPE

Maleic anhydride grafted thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-g-MA) consists of a thermoplastic elastomer backbone with maleic anhydride groups randomly grafted onto the polymer chains. The base TPE can be a styrenic block copolymer, polyolefin-based elastomer, or other TPE types, depending on the intended application. The maleic anhydride groups introduce polar functionalities while maintaining the inherent elasticity and flexibility of the TPE. These anhydride groups are covalently bonded to the polymer backbone through a free radical grafting process, often initiated by peroxide or other radical initiators. The resulting structure has both nonpolar and polar regions, improving adhesion, compatibility with polar materials, and reactivity for further chemical modifications. This makes the material especially useful in polymer blends, composites, and adhesion-promoting applications.

Properties Maleic anhydride grafted TPE

Maleic anhydride grafted thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-g-MA) retains the inherent flexibility, elasticity, and processability of the base TPE while gaining enhanced polarity and reactivity due to the grafted maleic anhydride groups. This modification improves adhesion to polar substrates, increases compatibility with polar polymers such as polyamides and polyesters, and enhances dispersion in composite materials. The material exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including good tensile strength, elongation, and impact resistance, while maintaining a soft and rubber-like feel. Its thermal stability remains similar to that of the base TPE, though the grafting process may slightly alter its flow characteristics. The maleic anhydride groups introduce reactive sites that can interact with amines, hydroxyl groups, and other nucleophiles, making it suitable for further chemical modifications. Additionally, the material provides improved resistance to environmental stress cracking and better bonding performance in over-molding applications, making it ideal for use in adhesives, coatings, automotive components, and polymer blends.

Advantages Maleic anhydride grafted TPE

• Enhances adhesion to polar materials such as metals, glass, and engineering plastics.
• Improves compatibility in polymer blends, especially with polar polymers like polyamides and polyesters.
• Retains the flexibility, elasticity, and processability of the base thermoplastic elastomer.
• Provides reactive sites for further chemical modifications, such as bonding with amines or hydroxyl-containing compounds.
• Increases interfacial adhesion in composite materials, improving mechanical properties.
• Offers good resistance to environmental stress cracking and durability in demanding applications.
• Can be processed using standard thermoplastic methods like extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding.

Disadvantages Maleic anhydride grafted TPE

• Slightly altered thermal and flow properties compared to unmodified TPE.
• The grafting process can lead to some variability in material properties depending on the degree of modification.
• The presence of maleic anhydride groups may make the material more sensitive to hydrolysis in humid conditions.
• Can have a higher production cost compared to non-grafted TPE due to additional processing steps.

Applications Maleic anhydride grafted TPE

• Polymer Blends and Compatibilization: Enhances adhesion in blends of TPE with polar polymers such as polyamides, polyesters, and polycarbonates.
• Adhesives and Sealants: Used in structural bonding, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and hot-melt adhesive applications.
• Automotive Components: Improves bonding in multi-material parts, vibration damping, and soft-touch overmolding.
• Medical Devices: Provides flexibility and strong adhesion in biocompatible applications.
• Coatings and Surface Treatments: Used as an adhesion promoter for paints, coatings, and primers.
• Consumer Goods and Footwear: Enhances durability, flexibility, and adhesion in over-molded products.
• Wire and Cable Insulation: Improves adhesion to polar substrates and enhances mechanical performance.