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Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are a class of polymeric materials that combine the elastic properties of rubber at service temperatures with the recyclability and processing advantages of thermoplastics at melting temperatures.
TPEs can be processed using many well-established plastic manufacturing methods, including extrusion, injection moulding, vacuum forming, compression moulding, and blow moulding, among others.
Several classes of thermoplastic elastomers are available on the market. The most common include general-purpose, SEBS (SBS), and EPDM-based thermoplastic elastomers.
- SBS (Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene Block Copolymer)
- SBS serves as the base polymer for TPE-S, which is typically used in products with limited exposure to weathering or shorter service life requirements.
- SEBS (Styrene–Ethylene/Butylene–Styrene Block Copolymer)
- SEBS is obtained through catalytic hydrogenation of SBS. Because its polymer chain contains virtually no double bonds, SEBS exhibits excellent resistance to weathering, UV radiation, high temperatures, and ozone. It is widely used in applications requiring long-term outdoor durability.
- EPDM (Ethylene–Propylene–Diene Copolymer)
- EPDM forms the basis for dynamically vulcanised TPEs (TPVs). These materials combine the elasticity of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics. Like SEBS-based TPEs, TPVs offer enhanced durability and resistance to sunlight and environmental ageing.
