Thermoplastic elastomer Applications-Beyond your imagination

• Author:tony
• Source:wikipedia
• Release on :2015-06-22

Thermoplastic elastomer Applications-Beyond your imagination

TPEs are used where conventional elastomers cannot provide the range of physical properties needed in the product. These materials find large application in the automotive sector and in household appliances sector. In 2014 the world market for TPEs reached a volume of ca. 16.7 billion US dollars. About 40% of all TPE products are used in the manufacturing of vehicles.

For instance copolyester TPEs are used in snowmobile tracks where stiffness and abrasion resistance are at a premium. They are also widely used for catheters where nylon block copolymers offer a range of softness ideal for patients. Thermoplastic silicon and olefin blends are used for extrusion of glass run and dynamic weatherstripping car profiles. Styrene block copolymers are used in shoe soles for their ease of processing, and widely as adhesives. TPE is commonly used to make suspension bushings for automotive performance applications because of its greater resistance to deformation when compared to regular rubber bushings. TPE may also be used in medical devices and sex toys. TPE is also finding more and more uses as an electrical cable jacket and inner insulation. TPE is also used in some headphone cables.