Scratch Resistance in TPE Materials and Influencing Factors
Time of issue:2024-10-23
Scratch Resistance in TPE Materials and Influencing Factors:
One: Scratch Resistance
There is currently no standard definition or test method for scratch resistance in the industry. Informally, scratch resistance refers to how visible marks (scratches) appear on the surface of a material when it is scratched by a fingernail or another sharp object, as well as how quickly these marks disappear. High-end smart electronic products and hardware tools, among others, often have stringent requirements for scratch resistance in the materials used.
Two: Factors Influencing Scratch Resistance
The factors influencing scratch resistance in elastomers mainly relate to their structure and composition. Below is a brief analysis:
Three: Material Structure
1. Cross-linked elastomers (thermosets) generally exhibit better scratch resistance than non-cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers. For example, silicone rubber has better scratch resistance than TPE.
2. Typically, single-component polymer elastomers have better scratch resistance than compounded elastomers. For instance, TPU, TPEE, and TPAE exhibit better scratch resistance than TPES.
Four: Material Composition
1. For compounded elastomers, assuming all other components remain constant, the higher the content of the rubber phase, the better the material's scratch resistance.
2. The more filler content, the worse the scratch resistance of the elastomer. Elastomers with high filler content, such as certain TPE materials, tend to show white marks and powder easily upon scratching.
Five: Scratch Resistance Ranking
Generally speaking, cross-linked systems and single-component elastomers have better scratch resistance than compounded elastomers. Without considering the addition of fillers, the scratch resistance ranking of major elastomers is approximately as follows: Silicone/Sulphur Rubber > TPU/TPV/PVC > TUS/TSP > TPES. Here, TPES refers to SEBS/SBS compounded elastomers, while TUS/TSP are special base elastomers.
Six: High Cost-Effective Scratch Resistant TPE
In some consumer goods industries, high filler content is often used to reduce costs. However, materials with high filler content tend to scratch and show white marks easily. With advancements in TPE industry research and development, the scratch resistance of high-filler TPE materials has significantly improved.
Seven: Scratch Resistant TPE Solutions
For certain specialized products, scratch resistance is a crucial consideration when selecting materials, but other requirements such as UV resistance, ease of molding, heat resistance, and solvent resistance should also be considered. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation should be conducted to choose the most suitable elastomer material.
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