Advantages of thermoplastic elastomer TPE extrusion grade materials
Source：德創化工Time：2020-02-25Hits：2233
TPE/TPR elastomer materials are used in the field of sports equipment. TPE/TPR elastomer materials are injection molded or double coated with PP, PE, EVA, etc. They are specially used for sports equipment, diving equipment, high-grade tool handles, daily necessities, baby products, etc. Massage equipment, small household appliances and seal design. Today, let's talk about the advantages and development potential of extruded TPE.
I. Advantages of Extruded TPE
1. It can be processed by common thermoplastic molding machine without special processing equipment.
2. The production efficiency is significantly improved. Can be directly vulcanized by a rubber injection molding machine. The time was reduced from 20 minutes to less than 1 minute. As the required curing time is very short, it can be directly vulcanized by an extruder, thus greatly improving the production efficiency.
3. Easy recovery and low cost. Wastes (escape burrs, extrusion of waste rubber) and final wastes generated in the production process can be directly returned for reuse; Used TPE products can be recycled after simple regeneration, reducing environmental pollution and expanding the source of renewable resources.
4. Energy conservation. Most thermoplastic elastomers do not require vulcanization or have a short curing time, which can save energy. Take the energy consumption of high-pressure hose production as an example: rubber is 188MJ/kg, TPE is 144MJ/kg, saving energy by more than 25%.
5. Wider application fields. Due to the combination of rubber and plastic, TPE has opened up new applications for the rubber industry.
6. It can be used to strengthen and toughen plastics. The self-reinforcing performance is large, the formula is simplified, the influence of the compounding agent on the polymer is small, and the quality performance is easier to master. However, TPE is not as good as rubber in heat resistance. With the increase of temperature, the physical properties are greatly reduced, so the application range is limited. Meanwhile, compression deformation, elastic recovery and durability are equivalent to rubber, and the price is usually higher than that of similar rubber.
However, the advantages of TPE are still outstanding and various new extrusion grade TPE products have been developed. As a new energy-saving and environment-friendly rubber raw material, its development prospect is very broad.
