TPE/TPR and Similar Soft Rubber Materials: Properties and Applications
Time of issue:2025-06-09
TPE/TPR are soft rubber materials, and related materials with similar performance include EVA/POE, PVC, silicone, (vulcanized) rubber, TPU/TPV, etc.
EVA/POE: These belong to the category of polyolefin elastomers (TPO). Although these elastomers have a soft touch, their molecular monomer units consist of a single straight-chain olefin polymerization structure without benzene rings, resulting in poor anti-slip properties and wear resistance. Their applications in soft rubber product injection molding are limited, generally used for craft ornaments, small toy products, and toughening modifications.
PVC Soft Rubber: When a hydrogen atom in polyethylene is replaced by chlorine, it transforms into polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Although PVC has good elasticity, it lacks the rubbery texture and has average anti-slip properties. Additionally, PVC's environmental performance restricts its application scope.
Silicone: The molecular chain structure of silicone endows it with excellent resilience, aging and weather resistance, as well as good environmental characteristics. Silicone cases offer a soft touch but are not proficient in anti-slip performance.
(Vulcanized) Rubber: This material exhibits excellent wear resistance and anti-slip properties. The vulcanized rubber system boasts superior heat resistance, chemical resistance, and physical-mechanical properties, making its applications predominantly industrial, with automobile tires and industrial conveyor belts being among its most important uses.
TPU/TPV: These are two common types of thermoplastic elastomers. Both materials possess certain rubber-like anti-slip properties but are relatively inferior in terms of soft touch.
TPE/TPR Materials: These refer to SEBS and SBS polystyrene-based elastomer alloys. These materials feature a rigid styrene molecular structure and a flexible butadiene (or butene-ethylene) molecular chain structure, enabling TPE/TPR to simultaneously possess certain strength and excellent flexible touch. While TPE/TPR's strength, wear resistance, and anti-slip properties are not as good as those of vulcanized rubber, their application areas include daily-use products, tool hardware, and electronic products. Here are some product application cases utilizing the anti-slip properties of TPE/TPR:
(1) Handles and Grips: Such as tool hardware, bicycle and motorcycle handles, luggage handles, knife and kitchenware handles.
(2) Anti-slip Mats: Such as anti-slip floor mats for cars, anti-slip mats for car interior accessories, phone anti-slip mats (with strong stickiness on the material surface), bathroom/toilet non-slip mats, water cup coasters (composite injection molding or single-material molding), anti-slip bowl mats, etc.
(3) Soles: TPR soles offer excellent anti-slip properties and, compared to rubber, have a much milder odor, providing a softer and more comfortable feel underfoot.
(4) Various (Industrial, Stroller) Casters: In the caster industry, both TPE/TPR and TPU are used. However, TPR has softer anti-slip characteristics and can be used to produce silent casters for the medical industry. Casters made of TPU tend to produce more friction noise.
The special anti-slip properties of TPE/TPR offer more possibilities for people's work and life. Their adjustable hardness and physical properties provide designers with a wide range of imagination and design space. Their environmentally friendly and non-toxic characteristics make them worthy of consumer trust. TPE/TPR make people's lives more comfortable and better.
TEL: +86-0752-6768128 FAX: +86-0752-6768088 MAIL: sales@tpe-sp.com WEB: en.tpe-sp.com
ADD: Huangxi Industrial Park, Shiwan Town, Boluo County, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province，China