7 ways to learn the difference between TPE and TPU
But the commonly referred to TPE is a mixture of SEBS/SBS+PP+naphthenic oil+calcium carbonate+additives. It is also called environmentally friendly soft plastic in the industry, but sometimes it is called TPR (more commonly called in Zhejiang and Taiwan). TPU, also known as polyurethane, has two types: polyester and polyether.
Both TPE and TPU are thermoplastic materials with rubber elasticity. TPE and TPU materials with similar hardness are sometimes difficult to distinguish between TPE and TPU by naked eye observation. However, starting from the details, the differences and differences between TPE and TPU can still be analyzed from many aspects.
1. Transparency
TPU is more transparent than TPE, and it is not as easy to stick as transparent TPE.
7 ways to learn the difference between TPE and TPU
2. Specific gravity
The specific gravity of TPE varies greatly, ranging from 0.89 to 1.3, while that of TPU is between 1.0 and 1.4. In fact, they are mainly in the form of blends during use, so the specific gravity varies greatly!
7 ways to learn the difference between TPE and TPU
3. Oil resistance
TPU has good oil resistance, while it is difficult for TPE to be oil resistant.
4. After burning
TPE has a light aromatic smell when burning, and the smoke is relatively small and light. TPU has a certain irritating odor when burning, and there is a slight explosion sound when burning.
5. Mechanical properties
The elasticity and elastic recovery properties (flexion and creep resistance) of TPU are better than those of TPE.
Mainly because the material structure of TPU is a polymer homogeneous structure, which belongs to the polymer resin category. TPE is an alloy material with a multi-phase structure aggregated by a multi-component blend.
High-hardness TPE processing is prone to product deformation, while TPU shows excellent elasticity in all hardness ranges, and the product is not easy to deform.
6. Temperature resistance
TPE is -60 degrees Celsius to 105 degrees Celsius, and TPU is -60 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius.
7. Appearance and feel
For some overmolded products, TPU products have a rough feel and strong friction resistance; while TPE products have a delicate and soft feel and weak friction performance.
In summary, both TPE and TPU are soft materials with good rubber elasticity. In comparison, TPE is more excellent in terms of touch comfort, while TPU has more excellent elasticity and strength.