TPEs

Thermoplastic elastomers, or TPEs, are a class of polymer materials that combine elastomeric properties with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. They behave like rubbers at service temperatures but can be melted and reshaped under heat, enabling conventional thermoplastic processing methods such as injection molding, extrusion, or film casting. This makes TPEs recyclable and easier to repair or reform compared with traditional vulcanized rubbers.

TPEs encompass several families, with Styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) such as SEBS and SBS being among the most common. Other major families include thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPCs or COPEs), and polyester or polyolefin-based elastomers. Each family provides different balances of hardness, elasticity, temperature resistance, and chemical compatibility, allowing broad design flexibility.

Processing and properties: TPEs can be melted and reprocessed multiple times without chemical crosslinking. They offer tunable hardness (often ranging from very soft to rigid), good elasticity, and variable chemical resistance. They generally exhibit good abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and low temperature performance that depends on composition. However, their heat resistance and long-term aging can be lower than some thermoset rubbers or engineering plastics, and properties vary widely between formulations.

Applications: TPEs are used in automotive seals and gaskets, vibration dampers, flexible hoses, electrical and medical devices, consumer goods such as grips and phone cases, and overmoldings. They are favored for ease of processing, recyclability, and design flexibility.