TPE
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers, are a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber) which consist of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.
While most elastomers are thermosets, thermoplastics are in contrast relatively easy to use in manufacturing, for example, by injection molding. Thermoplastic elastomers show advantages typical of both rubbery materials and plastic materials.
There are six generic classes of commercial TPEs:
- Styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s)
- Polyolefin blends (TPE-o)
- Elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV)
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU)
- Thermoplastic copolyester
- Thermoplastic polyamides.
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