Thermoplastic Polyurethane TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane TPU is abbreviated as TPU or TPE-U. It is a polymer composed of chains of organic units linked together by carbamate (urethane) links.
TPU materials come in many types, depending on the composition of the polyols and isocyanates used. Thermoplastic polyurethanes based on esters are highly resistant to mineral oils and wear. They also exhibit high tensile strength and elasticity. By using other raw materials such as polyether, it is possible to significantly increase the material's resistance to low temperatures and hydrolysis. Other modifications can increase resistance to biodegradable oils, such as synthetic esters. The gas permeability of thermoplastic polyurethane is comparable to IIR rubber.
What does the abbreviation TPU stand for?
The abbreviation TPU comes from English and stands for thermoplastic polyurethane.
Trade names for TPU/TPE-U:
- Ultrathan
Thermoplastic polyurethane - properties
TPU is characterized by thermal resistance up to around 80 degrees Celsius. Special materials achieve thermal resistance up to 100 degrees Celsius, even up to 120 degrees Celsius briefly.
Its resistance to low temperatures reaches as low as 45 degrees Celsius below zero.
Furthermore, Ultrathan does not exhibit brittleness at low temperatures. O-rings made from it therefore do not get damaged due to mechanical load, even below the glass transition temperature.
Characteristic properties of TPU also include: good flexibility and elasticity, ability for reversible deformation, impact and shock-absorbing properties, resistance to tearing and cracking, good resistance to abrasion.
Chemical resistance of TPU
- Clean aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as propane, butane, and heavy gasoline
- Mineral oils and greases
- Water up to 50 degrees Celsius
- Exposure to ozone and aging
Contaminants such as moisture, alcohols, or a combination of acids and bases can have adverse effects on thermoplastic polyurethanes chemically.
However, it is not resistant to:
- Esters, ethers, ketones, alcohols, and glycols
- Hot water, steam, acids, bases, and amines
Thermoplastic Polyurethane TPU - Applications
Due to its wide range of properties, thermoplastic polyurethane is widely used in various industries. In the automotive industry, it is used for manufacturing seals, membranes, shock absorbers, as well as strips, housings, wedges, and much more.
It is also used in the production of cables and wires, as power and transmission cables, energy cables, and hydraulic hoses.
In machine construction, it is essential for producing strips, conveyors, gaskets, rings, belts, handles, and damping elements.
It is also used in the sports and recreation industry, where it is used to create hockey shoes, ski boots, hiking boots, climbing shoes, rollerblade wheels, protection for surfboard edges, athletic shoe soles, or covers for tennis rackets.
It is also used to create heel lifts for shoes, films, toys, medical elements such as coils or hoses, and even markers for animal ears.