Thanks to its comfort, efficiency, and safety, TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers) is an indispensable material in today's industries. Since TPE material combines the features of rubber and the processing advantages and recyclability of plastics, it becomes an ideal choice for many product developers, processors, and designers.
TPE is a material obtaining a wide range of physical and mechanical properties of both plastic and rubber, making it an alternative choice for many applications. Let's dig into the article for the TPE definition, its properties, and its usage with EuroPlas! Plus, there will be bonus information on EuroPlas masterbatch. Scroll down for more!
1. What is TPE?
Plastic TPE is one of the most versatile plastics on the market. So, what does TPE stand for? TPE means Thermoplastic Elastomers. The abbreviation says it owns about the TPE meaning. The material is a blend of the thermoplastics' processing advantages and elastomers' excellent performance properties.
Material TPE can be quite easy to process by methods of thermoplastics, such as injection molding or extrusion, without the need for time-intensive rubber processing methods, especially vulcanization. It's possible to use TPE in advanced processing, including two-shot molding and over-molding. It also can go through secondary operations like welding and bonding to other materials.
What is TPE material? TPE plastic is also soft and flexible, like rubber. In short, it's a material with a plastic-like process but obtains the superior performance characteristics of rubber.
TPE plastic
2. Common properties of material TPE
The morphology, chemistry, and nature of the constituents determine what ultimate properties the TPE material will archive. The proportions of hard and soft phases also affect a specific property, forming a range of plastic TPE in different groups.
2.1. Mechanical Properties
The hard phase has a significant influence on mechanical strength and stiffness (modulus), hardness, tear resistance, abrasion, tension, and compression below the softening point and above room temperature.
2.2. Electrical Properties
TPE has electrical insulation properties depending on the level of polarity available. In most cases, the level of electrical insulation varies from good to excellent. Thus, you can find TPE cable usually has great quality.
2.3. Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of TPE material play an important role in its performance and melting process. TPE melting point is from 260-320 degrees C, making it super suitable for high-volume injection molding and extrusion.
2.4. Flexibility and Consistency
The material has excellent flexural fatigue resistance, high impact strength, and resistance to low temperatures (-30 degrees C).
The great thing about TPE is that compounding, reinforcing agents, stabilizers, or cure systems are almost unnecessary. Thus, batches are nearly no different. It's especially useful in improving the consistency of raw materials and fabricated products. This property makes TPE an ideal choice to replace plastic or rubber in some specific cases.
2.5. Chemical Performance
The chemistry and morphology of the plastic TPE give it excellent resistance to chemicals. It's possible to be flame retardant as well. Its chemical properties and stability are remarkable, allowing it to withstand a wide range of temperatures and other environmental factors. Since TPE is resistant to extreme variables, it's suitable for final products requiring quality and durability.
Thermoplastic Elastomer TPE
2.6. Versatility
The material for the product's final use and service environment can be easily customized, thanks to the high versatility of plastic TPE. TPE tubing has different variants, ranging from soft and jelly-like to hard and ridge. Its size is also various, ranging from an inner diameter of around 0.06 inches to an outer diameter of one inch. Manufacturers also can customize the thickness of the TPE tubing's wall.
2.7. Ability of Matching Color
Thermoplastic elastomer TPE can go well with color and dye. It's also possible to customize it to match a full spectrum of colors and finishes, including fluorescents. You also may see medical TPE (medical tubing and other similar applications) as the material possesses good clarity properties.
2.8. Eco-friendly Property
Is TPE toxic? The material is made from non-toxic, recyclable plastics and is safe for the environment. Thus, if you're looking for an eco-friendly material, TPE is an excellent choice. It requires less energy during production, and factories can easily recycle it by molding or extruding it.
2.9. Cost Efficiency
Compared to other materials, TPE plastic does not need complicated processing and long fabrication times. As a result, manufacturers can cut down on the final costs. The material can be an alternative option for silicone, natural rubber latex, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds.
3. Is TPE safe?
Many people wonder about TPE material safety since it contains phthalates, a chemical added to increase flexibility and known to pose a risk to human health.
So, is TPE body safe? In general, it's safe to use thermoplastic elastomer TPE. Though it's said to have connections with hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and cancer, the levels of phthalates used in TPE products are generally low and can't harm humans. So, it's also legal to use the material. Plus, TPE causes fewer allergic reactions than latex.
4. What is TPE used for?
TPE application
The material has had a worldwide growing market for several decades. Industries keep finding innovative ways to use TPE in more contexts. It's also ideal for plastic and rubber products, promising higher demands for the material in the future.
TPE is used in various applications in different sectors with industry-specific criteria. Here are some of its applications:
- Automotive industry: control elements in automotive interiors, exterior window encapsulations, and under-the-hood seals.
- Industrial products: cable grommets, tool handles, etc.
- Consumer goods: packaging, toys, sports equipment, and hygiene articles (razors and toothbrushes, for example)
- TPE medical applications: medical tubing, drip chambers, and seals.
In addition, another interesting thing is you can find TPE waterproof and non-waterproof, depending on how you blend it to meet the final product's requirements. In general, TPE is the gasket material to keep portable electronics safe from water. Again, it indicates the possibility of a wider range of uses for TPE plastic.
5. About EuroPlas masterbatch
EuroPlas is known as a leader in the masterbatch field since the company satisfies a wide range of requirements for unique plastic raw material solutions to optimize production costs and improve the competitiveness of the customers.
Here is the list of outstanding products from EuroPlas:
Filler masterbatch
With more than 15 years of producing and exporting filler masterbatch to thousands of businesses around the world, EuroPlas is proud to offer a wide range of filler masterbatch to help manufacturers save cost, enhance productivity and produce high-quality plastic products.
EuroPlas filler masterbatch combines calcium carbonate CaCO3, primary resin, and other plastic additives based on the customers' requirements. The products have many advantages, such as reduced shrinkage, improved stiffness, and bend strength, the capability to enhance stability, printability, and surface quality of the final products, and energy savings. It's ideal for injection molding, blow molding, PVC pipe manufacturing, packaging, plastic frames, door production, etc.
Color masterbatch
Color masterbatch from EuroPlas is a solution for end-product aesthetics. It's made from high-quality pigments, carrier resin, and some special additives, creating a colorful and attractive appearance. EuroPlas provides a wide range of colors and effects, from simple to complicated, of color masterbatch.
Besides the help to meet color requirements, the material saves time and cost as manufacturers can use it directly in the production process. Plus, it causes no harm to the environment.
Plastic additives
Plastic additives are a necessary substance used in the production process to improve the material's performance. Besides, they help the plastic become more durable, thanks to the enhanced chemical and physical resistance.
EuroPlas has a wide range of additives for plastic, such as Flame retardants, Desiccants, Odor removing additives, Anti-UV additives, Anti-aging additives, Anti-fog additives, Antistatic additives, Anti-blocking additives, and Processing-aid additives.
Engineering plastic compound
EuroPlas engineering plastic compound is full-function-in-one-material to save time and production costs. The combination is made of resin, additives, and reinforcements (based on the end-product requirements).
All EuroPlas products are various, including PA6, PA66 blend compound, PBT GF-FR compound, ABS Glass fiber compound, ABS Antistatic compound, PC flame retardant compound, and ABS. All are of high quality and flexibility. If you're looking for a material for automobile, electronics manufacturing, interior decoration, and renewable energy, you should not miss these products from EuroPlas.
Bioplastic compound
As a professional, EuroPlas understands the industry's ongoing trend and demand for green, biodegradable plastic. And the company is also concerned about sustainable development and the environment; thus, a list of high-quality EuroPlas bioplastic compound is produced to be used in various aspects, including automotive & transport, construction, fibers, electronics, household appliances, and especially food packaging.
BioNEXT, a bio compound exclusively developed by EuroPlas, can be decomposable within 12 months after use. The company guarantees that the end product passes strict quality control management to meet all the requirements.