Dawn to Dark: How thermoplastic elastomers improve our daily lives
- Author:tony
- Release on :2015-08-11
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) - those flexible, rubber-like materials that can be processed using cost-effective, high-volume molding and extrusion - are steadily replacing conventional elastomers and finding new homes across a wide range of applications. Indeed, the global market for TPEs is forecast to reach $23.9 billion (￡16.1 billion, €22.4 billion) by 2018, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets.
Factors driving the current 8.1 per cent growth rate for TPEs range from the need for greater design freedom than what thermoset rubbers can provide, to the growing consumer demand for safer and more sustainable materials.
Factors driving the current 8.1 per cent growth rate for TPEs range from the need for greater design freedom than what thermoset rubbers can provide, to the growing consumer demand for safer and more sustainable materials.
One of the most attractive aspects of TPEs is their versatility. These materials offer amazing variety in hardness, surface texture, color, opacity, abrasion and chemical resistance and tear strength. They can also be overmolded onto a broad number of plastic substrates without the need for adhesives. Some specialty TPEs deliver vibration and sound damping capabilities. Others find use in food contact packaging, or have low leachables/extractables, including low levels of potentially harmful components such as bisphenol-A (BPA).
To demonstrate the broad applications for TPEs and their benefits to consumers, let's consider a 'day in the life' of a young family.
Rise and shineBaby Bottle
Dad is awakened by the alarm on his smartphone, whose case is overmolded with a durable, grippy and brightly-colored TPE providing usability, protection and aesthetic appeal. A wail from the nursery tells him it's time for the baby's first feed. The nipple on her bottle is injection molded from a soft but tough, BPA-free TPE. Dad also prepares a sippy cup of juice for the toddler, who likes the soft touch and primary colors of the cup lid, which is made from a food contact grade of TPE overmolded onto polypropylene. This resilient material also stands up to his sharp baby teeth.
Dad is awakened by the alarm on his smartphone, whose case is overmolded with a durable, grippy and brightly-colored TPE providing usability, protection and aesthetic appeal. A wail from the nursery tells him it's time for the baby's first feed. The nipple on her bottle is injection molded from a soft but tough, BPA-free TPE. Dad also prepares a sippy cup of juice for the toddler, who likes the soft touch and primary colors of the cup lid, which is made from a food contact grade of TPE overmolded onto polypropylene. This resilient material also stands up to his sharp baby teeth.
Shenzhen GAINSHINE Plastic Technology Co.,Ltd.CHINA TPE/TPRsupplier.was founded in 2002. Our main products are thermoplastic elastomer (TPE, TPR, TPU, TPV), while we are dedicated on studying and developing new macromolecule material. We are a professional enterprises on researching, developing, producing and selling customer-oriented plastic products.
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