Types
There are six generic classes of commercial TPEs:
- Styrenic block copolymers
- Polyolefin blends
- Elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV)
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes
- Thermoplastic copolyester
- Thermoplastic polyamides.
Examples of TPE products that come from block copolymers group are Arnitel (DSM), Solprene (Dynasol), Engage (Dow Chemical), Hytrel (Du Pont), Dryflex and Mediprene (ELASTO), Kraton (Shell chemical division).
In order to qualify as a thermoplastic elastomer, a material must have these three essential characteristics:
- The ability to be stretched to moderate elongations and, upon the removal of stress, return to something close to its original shape.
- Processable as a melt at elevated temperature.
- Absence of significant creep.
Read more about this topic: Thermoplastic Elastomer
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