Applications
TPEs are used where conventional elastomers cannot provide the range of physical properties needed in the product. These materials find large application in the automotive sector and in household appliances sector. Thus copolyester TPEs are used in snowmobile tracks where stiffness and abrasion resistance is at a premium. They are also widely used for catheters where nylon block copolymers offer a range of softness ideal for patients. Thermoplastic silicon and olefin blends are used for extrusion of glass run and dynamic weatherstripping car profiles. Styrene block copolymers are used in shoe soles for their ease of processing, and widely as adhesives. TPE is commonly used to make suspension bushings for automotive performance applications because of its greater resistance to deformation when compared to regular rubber bushings. TPE may also be used in products meant for bodily insertion, such as menstrual cups, and sex toys. TPE is also finding more and more uses as an electrical cable jacket/inner insulation. TPE is also used in some headphone cables.
Read more about this topic: Thermoplastic Elastomer