In addition to styrenic and olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, PVC-based TPE (TPVC/TCPE) and polyurethane-based TPE (TPU) play an important role in modern elastomer applications due to their distinct performance characteristics.
PVC-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPVC and TCPE)
PVC-based thermoplastic elastomers include TPVC (thermoplastic PVC elastomers) and TCPE (chlorinated polyethylene-based TPE). TPVC is mainly achieved through elastic modification of PVC, often by blending partially crosslinked NBR with PVC.
TPVC materials exhibit improved compression set and rubber-like flexibility while retaining PVC's processing advantages. They are widely used in automotive interior components, steering wheels, wiper blades, hoses, cables, waterproof membranes, and industrial sheets. More than 70% of TPVC consumption is concentrated in the automotive industry.
PVC/NBR blends are considered one of the most successful rubber–plastic alloy systems globally. However, due to increasing environmental regulations and concerns related to acid gas emissions, TPVC growth has slowed in some regions. In China, TPVC materials are increasingly used to partially replace NR, CR, and NBR rubber in hoses, tanks, footwear, and industrial products.
Polyurethane-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPU)
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is formed by block copolymerization of urethane hard segments and polyester or polyether soft segments. TPU is known for its exceptional abrasion resistance, high mechanical strength, oil resistance, and flex fatigue performance.
TPU is widely used in sports footwear, ski boots, hoses, belts, films, cables, industrial parts, automotive components, and medical products. Injection molding and extrusion are the primary processing methods, accounting for more than 75% of TPU consumption.
Recent innovations have produced high-flow TPU, transparent TPU, glass-fiber reinforced TPU, IPN-structured TPU, conductive TPU, and breathable TPU, significantly expanding its application range. TPU/PC blends further improve impact resistance and safety performance in automotive applications.