"Understanding the Fluidity of TPE: Essential Influencing Factors"
Time of issue:2025-02-11
Title: Factors Affecting the Fluidity of TPE Material
Analysis of Factors Influencing the Fluidity of TPE Material:
Cost, stability, and performance are key considerations. Cost is the primary concern. In TPE product formulations, a large amount of oil can often be added, with the price of oil being approximately one-third of that of the TPE. However, the addition of oil can reduce the mechanical and temperature resistance properties of the product. Besides oil, minerals such as calcium carbonate and talc can also reduce costs and increase specific gravity, hardness, and mechanical strength, but at the cost of decreased fluidity. The incorporation of plastics can also reduce costs, but its impact on fluidity is more complex. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the matching of fluidity in formula design. Below is a discussion on the factors affecting the fluidity of TPE.
- Molecular Weight
The level of molecular weight generally refers to the molecular weight of SEBS. Under the same conditions, a higher molecular weight results in poorer fluidity and a greater capacity for oil filling. Theoretically, a higher SEBS molecular weight leads to smaller entanglement molecular spacing and lower mechanical hardness. Therefore, under unchanged conditions, a higher SEBS molecular weight corresponds to a lower hardness.
- Oil Content
The more oil added, the better the fluidity, and this change is very significant.
- Temperature
Higher temperatures improve fluidity, but the impact of temperature is not as significant as that of oil content. For example, when the oil content is low, increasing the temperature does not significantly change the melt flow index, especially for high-molecular-weight SEBS.
- Fillers
Fillers (such as calcium carbonate and talc) generally reduce fluidity. To improve this, additives are often added to the formula. In lightweight, high-strength TPE, glass beads can be considered, as they have a lesser impact on fluidity.
- Plastic Component
The incorporation of plastics requires a balance with SEBS oil gel and minerals. Thermoplastic elastomers and oil-extended elastomers can be processed like plastics. The addition of plastics needs only to match the oil gel and meet performance requirements, with minimal impact on fluidity.
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