A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),sometimes referred to as a thermoplastic rubber, is a class of copolymers orphysical mixtures of polymers (usually plastic and rubber) consisting

of materials with thermoplastic andelastomer properties. While most elastomers are thermosetting plastics,thermoplastics, by contrast, are relatively easy to use in manufacturing,

for example through injectionmolding. Thermoplastic elastomers show typical advantages of rubber and plasticmaterials. The benefit of using thermoplastic elastomers is the ability

to stretch to a moderate elongation and returnto a near original shape, resulting in a longer service life and betterphysical range than other materials. The main difference between

thermosetting elastomers andthermoplastic elastomers is the type of cross-linked bonds in their structures.In fact, crosslinking is a key structural factor that confers high elastic

properties.

type

There are six generic categories ofcommercial TPE (names compliant with ISO18064) :

Styrene block copolymer, TPS(TPE-s)

Thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers

Thermoplastic vulcanized rubber,TPV (TPE-v or TPV)

Thermoplastic Polyurethane, TPU(TPU)

Thermoplastic copolyester, TPC(TPE-E)

Thermoplastic polyamide, TPA(TPE-A)

Thermoplastic elastomers notclassified, TPZ

Examples of TPE materials fromblock copolymer groups include CAWITON, THERMOLASTK, THERMOLASTM, Arnitel,Hytrel, Dryflex, Mediprene, Kraton, Pibiflex, Sofprene, and

Laprene. Among these styrene blockcopolymers (TPE-s) are CAWITON, THERMOLASTK, THERMOLASTM, Sofprene, Dryflex,and Laprene. Laripur, Desmopan, or Elastollan are

examples of thermoplasticpolyurethanes (TPU). Sarlink, Santoprene, Termoton, Solprene, THERMOLASTV,Vegaprene, or Forprene are examples of TPV materials. Examples of

thermoplastic olefin elastomer(TPO) compounds are For-TecE or Engage. Ninjaflex is used for 3D printing.

In order to qualify as athermoplastic elastomer, the material must have the following three essentialcharacteristics:

The ability to stretch to moderateelongation and return to a state close to its original shape after stressrelief

It can be processed as melt at hightemperatures

No significant creep