Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

Thermoplastic elastomers, or TPEs, are polymer materials that exhibit traits of both thermoplastics (in terms of easy processing at high temperatures), and vulcanized rubbers (in terms of flexibility and elasticity at room temperatures) [1]. This has led to them also being dubbed “thermoplastic rubbers” due to their co-polymer composition, often having materials that individually behave thermoplastically or elastomerically distributed throughout their molecular structure resulting in rigid domains within a flexible rubber lattice [2].

As a result, TPEs can be formed according to a wide range of specifications, being soft or rigid, transparent or colored, adhesive, glossy, flame-retardant, etc. [3]. They are often used as suitable substitutes for materials like latex, silicone rubber, and even PVC, in products such as adhesives, footwear, medical devices (like tubes, catheters, or inhalers) [3], automotive parts (like airbag covers), and household goods – or in other products which would benefit from exhibiting elastomeric properties over a wide temperature range [1].

Due to their thermoplastic properties, they are also completely recyclable, through similar melting and re-extruding processes as other thermoplastics [3]. This is another benefit of TPEs over similar materials such as types of rubber, which are typically thermoset materials that cannot be melted and recycled in this manner [1].