In the TPE elastomer industry, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is broadly regarded as the abbreviation for all thermoplastic elastomers, encompassing types such as TPU, TPEE, TPV, TPO, etc. Narrowly defined, TPE specifically refers to styrenic thermoplastic elastomers. The microstructure of TPE materials determines their properties and their unique position and role in the plastics industry.

Properties of TPE Materials

Stable and Heat-Resistant
TPE materials lack unsaturated bonds in their structure, making them relatively stable. They exhibit good temperature resistance (operating temperature range of -50°C to 100°C), aging resistance, chemical resistance, and solvent resistance.

Excellent Grip Feel
The TPE material structure contains rigid ethylene-styrene segments that are glassy at room temperature, providing the material with a fixed shape and ensuring its performance. It also contains flexible butadiene segments that are highly elastic at room temperature, granting the material a comfortable, soft touch and elasticity.

Environmentally Friendly and Safe
TPE materials do not introduce heavy metals during production and do not contain toxic phthalate plasticizers, meeting environmental testing standards such as ROHS, REACH, EN71, PAHS, and FDA. They are the best alternative to PVC.

Easy to Process
TPE materials can be directly injection molded, with easy processing, short molding cycles, and easy recycling of waste products, making them an ideal replacement for rubber and silicone.

Highly Plasticizable
By varying the formulation and ratio, TPE materials can offer a diverse range of physical properties and hardnesses to meet the optimal usage requirements of different products.

Applications of TPE Materials

Two-Component and Multi-Component Applications
TPE is highly favored in multi-component applications. Overmolding a layer of comfortable TPE onto a product can give it a more contemporary feel, with its comfortable touch and outstanding physical properties being well-received by consumers. When co-molded with other materials, TPE can firmly bond with plastics such as ABS, PC, PA, PP, and PS. TPE/TPR can be adjusted to offer diverse physical properties and hardnesses, allowing designers unlimited creative inspiration. Application examples include tool handles, sports equipment, wheels, electronic materials, and daily necessities.

Single-Component Applications
Direct injection molding is used to produce soft rubber toys, luggage accessories, and cushioning/shock-absorbing components. Leveraging the easy processing, good flexibility, and excellent elasticity of TPE materials meets customer usage needs.

Food Contact Utensils
TPE materials meet food contact hygiene standards, withstanding both high and low temperatures, fulfilling comprehensive requirements for food utensils. TPE offers a comfortable touch, anti-slip properties, and can be easily colored in various hues, facilitating design inspiration and adding vibrancy to life. Application examples include cutlery handles, spoons, forks, lids, anti-slip coasters, and ice cube trays for refrigerators.

Medical Devices
TPE materials align with green environmental trends and medical food hygiene standards, exhibiting excellent drug resistance and a pleasant touch, enhancing product functionality and comfort. Application examples include medical tubes, disposable infusion sets, gas masks, bottle stoppers, and ear syringes.

Extruded Products
TPE materials possess good UV resistance and chemical resistance, with a simple extrusion process, making them an ideal new material to replace traditional rubber and PVC. Application examples include earphone cables, USB cables, cables, building sealing strips, door and window sealing strips, and anti-collision buffer strips.

Ultra-Soft Products
TPE materials meet hygiene requirements for skin contact and are recognized as green and environmentally friendly. With high transparency, high tensile strength, high elongation, and a soft, skin-like touch, they are highly sought after by consumers. Experience the intimate soft touch provided by TPE/TPR materials with meticulous care. Application examples include ultra-soft plush toys, female breast enhancement pads, and adult products.

Automotive Accessories
TPE materials can withstand high and low temperatures (-50°C to 100°C), offering excellent flowability, oil resistance, flexibility, and environmental friendliness, meeting customers' high demands for product weather resistance. Application examples include tire buffers, handles, steering wheels, dust covers, etc. Popular automotive floor mats in the United States also use TPE as their material.