**Top Color-Matching Techniques for TPE Materials: Key Options and Considerations**
Time of issue:2025-03-13
What are the color - matching methods for TPE materials?
As we all know, TPE is a new type of polymer material between rubber and resin. It can not only replace some rubber but also modify plastics. Commonly, TPE materials in the market are mostly transparent, semi - transparent, or natural white. However, many manufacturers have increasing requirements for the color - matching of TPE materials, and they no longer just need simple transparency. So, what are the color - matching methods for TPE materials?
Using color powder Color powder can be added during the TPE granulation process. However, it is troublesome to change colors, and it causes serious pollution. If there are many color varieties, general granulation factories may not undertake the task. This method is mainly suitable for large - volume orders, which the granulation factories are willing to handle.
Using color masterbatches Color masterbatches with PP as the base material are commonly used in TPE granulation. This method is relatively convenient and pollution - free. However, the price is relatively high, and the colors of color masterbatches may not always meet the customers' color requirements. Therefore, color powder is more commonly used.
Taking SBS as the matrix For TPE/TPR materials with SBS as the matrix, it is recommended to use low - density polyethylene or ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer instead of polypropylene color carriers. This is to avoid the influence of polypropylene color carriers on the hardness of the composite material. Since aromatic carriers can attract the styrene end - caps of the material, aromatic carriers should not be used.
