TPE - Thermoplastic Elastomer
TPE - Thermoplastic Elastomer
The position of thermoplastic elastomers ("TPE") within the material group of polymers is defined very differently in application and by manufacturers. In their basic description, they are presented as a combination (incompatible blends) of meltable (purely thermoplastic) and elastic (soft and/or chemically wide-meshed crosslinked) areas of different polymers, or they are classified as copolymers with formed characteristic individual areas between the groups of thermoplastics and elastomers. The ability to melt process and thermoplastically recycle these highly elastic materials has opened up interesting areas of application previously reserved for elastomers. In any case, it is important to understand that TPEs always remain thermoplastic and cannot follow blanket cross-linked elastic materials in any temperature range.
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Interesting facts about thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
Behavior at room temperature
TPEs behave like elastomers, i.e. like elastic materials.
Moldability under heat
When heated, TPEs become malleable and can be processed like thermoplastics.
Processing and recycling
TPEs can be processed via the melt and thermoplastically recycled.
Blends
TPEs can be present as blends, i.e. as alloys between a plastic matrix
and a soft material such as elastomers.
Block copolymers
TPEs can also exist as block copolymers, in which the molecular chains
consist of hard and soft areas.