Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a versatile class of materials characterized by high strength, elasticity, and injection-moldability. These eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe materials feature excellent coloring capabilities, softness, weather-resistance, fatigue resistance, and temperature resistance. With superior processing properties, TPE can be reused to cut down on costs and can be molded either separately or co-molded with PP, PE, PC, PS, ABS, among others.
In our daily lives, TPE-based products are everywhere - from gym equipment like resistance bands and seals to cables and earphones. As a new type of environmentally friendly material, TPE combines the advantages of rubber and plastic, making it suitable for various applications such as interior components and seals, numbering over 20 categories.
The rapid growth of the automotive industry has fueled the development of the thermoplastic elastomer market. Zhu Yi, an expert from FAW Non-metallic Research Institute, believes there is huge potential for TPE in automobiles, where it could replace rubber for covers, electronic protection materials, and three-dimensional blow-molding pipes driven by turbocharging systems. In Europe, trucks use flexible materials for exterior parts like spoilers and mudguards, but China’s current demand still focuses on engine power.
Overall, with stricter environmental regulations, lighter weight, reduced costs, improved reliability, increased engine temperatures, simplified manufacturing processes, and adhesive reduction trends, TPE usage in automobiles is expected to grow significantly. However, localizing and scaling up production, specialized development, improving TPV crosslink rates, and reducing costs pose challenges that the industry needs to address.
TPE materials are gradually replacing traditional rubbers and PVC in the automotive sector. Despite a downturn in shoe materials using TPR in 2015, the automotive TPE market remained active due to lightweight, low VOCs, customization, and human comfort demands.