Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are rubber-like plastics, that can be converted by injection moulding, extrusion, laminating and welding. This makes them very versatile. Their properties range from very soft and stretchy to almost rigid. They are based on thermoplastic chemistry, which provides the moulding and forming characteristics, with a combination of soft and rigid segments. In some cases, the thermoplastic may be mixed or alloyed with a cross-linked (thermoset) rubber, which provides added toughness and mechanical performance. The characteristics of the material are governed by the ingredients, proportion of soft and rigid segments, and polymer structure (semi-crystalline or amorphous). As a result, there are many options available and the price varies a lot. Applications range from textiles (think spandex) to footwear, and medical equipment to structural automotive parts. In many cases, they offer a potentially recyclable alternative to conventional rubber, which is cured in a one-way reaction.