What is Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE-U or TPU) material?TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is a type of plastic that is formed through a polyaddition reaction between diisocyanate and one or more diols. It is a type of thermoplastic elastomer, which means it has both the characteristics of traditional thermoplastics and elastomers (rubber-like materials). Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) are a class of versatile polymers known for their excellent combination of properties. They are known for their excellent combination of flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion, as well as good tensile strength and high elongation at break.
They are characterized by their combination of rubber-like elasticity and flexibility with the processability and moldability of thermoplastics.
What are the main properties of TPE-U (TPU)?
- Flexibility and Elasticity
- High Tensile Strength
- Chemical Resistance
- Abrasion Resistance
- High Tensile Strength
- Weather Resistance
- High Transparency, can be transparent or translucent
- Low-temperature performance
What industries commonly use TPE-U in their products?Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPE-U or TPU) find applications in various industries due to their versatile properties. Some common industries that use TPE-U in their products include:
- Automotive: TPE-U is used for various automotive components like seals, gaskets, bumpers, interior trim, and airbag covers due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and UV radiation.
- Footwear: TPE-U is commonly used in shoe soles and components because of its excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort.
- Medical: TPE-U is utilized in medical devices such as tubing, catheters, seals, and gaskets due to its biocompatibility, resistance to sterilization methods, and flexibility.
- Industrial Equipment: It's used in various machinery components, conveyor belts, seals, and gaskets due to its resistance to oils, chemicals, and abrasion.
How is TPE-U processed?
TPE-U (Thermoplastic Polyurethane-Urethane) is a versatile material that can be processed through various methods, owing to its thermoplastic nature. Here are some common processing techniques for TPE-U:
- Injection Molding
- Extrusion
- Blow Molding
- Compression Molding
- Overmolding
- Thermoforming
The different types of TPE available
