The global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) is astonishing

A report shows that the global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) will grow at a double-digit rate in the coming years, with astonishing growth potential that cannot be ignored

According to a report, the global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) is expected to grow at a double-digit rate in the coming years, with astonishing growth potential that cannot be ignored. TPE has gradually increased its dosage in various occasions due to its advantages of easy processing, weather resistance, soft hand feel, and easy coloring.

The automobile industry has a large usage, followed by the construction industry

Among the many uses of TPE, automobiles and their components account for the largest proportion, which can be used to produce exterior parts such as water barriers, seals, wipers, as well as interior parts such as airbags, rearview mirrors, sound insulation materials, anti slip pads, adjustment pads, and beverage cup holders. It can be used as a substitute material for EPDM and PVC.

There are multiple reasons why automotive parts are starting to abandon the use of EPDM and PVC, and this trend is particularly evident in Europe. Jean Marc Imbert, the European market manager for ethylene elastomers at Dupont Dow Elastomers Limited, pointed out that the demand for sustainable development is the reason for the increasing potential of TPE. Require cars to be lightweight, therefore requiring materials with low density and foamability for molding; The discharge of low polluting substances requires no plasticizer content; Automotive components can be recycled and reused; Replacing PVC and implementing halogen-free systems are the driving forces behind TPE's market favor.

KRAIBURG TPE from Germany revealed to this magazine that the average usage of TPE in a car is generally around 10 kilograms to 15 kilograms. In addition to exterior and interior parts, anti slip pads are a large market.

In addition, airbags and constant velocity universal joint covers are also markets with huge potential. DSM Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd., which mainly produces TPE-E, focuses on producing the two types of automotive components mentioned above as its elastomer materials. According to Schroeder, the product manager of Arnitel Asia Pacific, TPE is used in two products with an annual usage of 12000 tons and 17000 tons respectively.

Another major application area of TPE is in the construction industry, where it can be used as door and window sealing strips, gaskets, etc. Bu Gaode, Sales Manager and Application Engineer of KRAIBURG TPE, pointed out that due to its excellent processability, easy coloring, no need for pre drying, good mechanical properties and weather resistance, TPE has gradually entered the traditional furniture field mainly made of ABS. The increasing awareness of security in Europe requires a gradual reduction in the use of PVC doors and windows to prevent plasticizer infiltration. In addition, EPDM is difficult to color and cannot be welded, which provides a good opportunity for the application of TPE.

DSM has developed a breathable TPE film as a building material for the European and American markets. A layer of laminated breathable film is laid on the wall to keep the interior clean, and the film thickness is only 10 μ m~15 μ m. Schroeder said that this TPE film building material was popular in Europe and America 4-5 years ago, but it is difficult to promote in Asia because the weather in Asia is humid, and laying this film does not hinder moisture infiltration. Anyway, TPE is one of the ideal building materials.

Processing and Future Design of TPE

TPE, like other thermoplastic materials, will experience moisture absorption during transportation. Lai Yiyan, the manager of the Elasticity Business Unit of Hetai Company in South China, stated that TPE must undergo drying treatment before injection molding or blow molding, usually at 80 ° C for 2 hours. Taking Hetai's HAR series as an example, this material can be injection molded into both soft and hard materials without the need for processing such as adhesives or solvents before injection molding. However, it is necessary to ensure that the material is completely dry to increase adhesion, and in the design of product molds, the bonding surface of soft and hard materials should be increased or special three-dimensional structures should be added.

TPV is a type of TPE, but it is more sensitive to shear forces. Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES), which specializes in producing TPVs, points out that TPVs are shear thinning materials, so all factors that affect shear force (such as injection speed) must be considered during injection molding, which is more important than temperature control. In terms of mold design, due to the fact that elastomers are flexible materials, some difficulties may be encountered during ejection. The mold edge, gate, and exhaust port should be carefully designed. If TPV is used for two-component injection molding, the hardware needs to be molded first before injecting the elastomer.

A notable feature of TPE is its soft hand feel. Mei Se Wong, Marketing Control Manager of KRAIBURG TPE, believes that soft touch is still the future design direction of TPE, and coupled with the popular transparency in the market, it is believed that it will lead the trend. In terms of materials, TPE will be further used to combine with other thermoplastic materials such as PMMA, PC, PS, etc.

Schroeder agrees that soft touch will still dominate the market development trend, but processors will demand shorter production cycles and seek more cost-effective processing methods. The fluidity of materials must be higher to further compete for the market share of rubber. For example, spring bed foam mattresses and car covers will give up rubber and use more TPE. In terms of applications, there are some new areas that can be developed, such as credit cards made of PC or PVC, which can be attempted to be manufactured from TPE, but may involve compatibility issues with laser coding technology. Another new use is food packaging, as TPE meets FDA standards and can come into direct contact with food, making it highly advantageous in terms of films or containers.

Lai Yiyan also stated that in the consumer market that pursues comfort, high quality, and emphasizes a casual style, TPE has excellent hand feel and texture, as well as providing appropriate shock resistance. In terms of bonding between soft and hard materials, it is incomparable to other materials. Therefore, TPE will be further expanded in some applications, such as mobile phones and walkie talkies in the 3C industry, diving equipment in sports products, bicycle grips, etc.

AES has collaborated with industrial product designers from various countries in the past to develop a variety of innovative products, including the combination of sealing strips and handles in small electronic products; Colorants with special effects are used to distinguish products; Combining soft and hard materials to generate geometric and interface lines; And combine three different hardness materials into one component. The company will continue to strengthen cooperation with designers around the world, especially in China.

There are many materials available in the market, and many thermoplastic and modified plastics also have soft grade materials that can create rubber properties and hand feel. Will this put some pressure on TPE? AES believes that this situation is not serious because not all materials with soft touch and rubber properties are the same. Although many modified plastics and even various TPEs have similar physical properties, their final performance varies over time. Therefore, processing businesses must be careful when choosing TPE. If TPV is needed but TPE that has not been vulcanized is chosen, its performance will not be ideal. It is very beneficial to cooperate with TPE suppliers who have experience in producing TPE and have successfully conducted application development.

TPE usage growth in China

TPE is increasingly popular among users due to its wide range of applications, easy processing, recyclability, and environmental friendliness. Many industries are gradually replacing traditional rubber with TPE, and the Chinese TPE market is growing at an astonishing rate.

AES learned from a report on the TPE market in China that the consumer goods and automotive industries are the two main TPE application markets. The consumer goods market includes a range of products such as kitchenware and garden tools, power tools, small appliances, and personal electronic products (such as mobile phones). The growth of these products is mainly driven by manufacturers from the United States, Europe, and Japan purchasing components in China. As experience accumulates, these processors or system suppliers in China will also provide suggestions for local consumer goods, such as adding soft surfaces to the design of products.

In the automotive market, millions of cars worldwide have successfully used TPE and TPV, including under hood and chassis, glass window guides, interior and exterior parts, etc. The interest of automotive OEMs in TPV to improve the appearance and performance of cars will help promote the development of this material in China.

Lai Yiyan pointed out that the commonly used products in the Chinese market include SBS, SEBS, SEPS, EPDM/PP, which are mostly used in hardware tools, stationery, sports equipment, toys, personal care, etc. They are also widely used in wire and cable, medical equipment, and other fields. In addition, although PVC still holds a large market share in the construction industry, the trend of TPE replacing PVC cannot be ignored, mainly used in door and window sealing strips. He believes that TPE materials have attracted global attention due to their environmental friendliness. For China to align with international standards and develop into a major economic power, it must meet international environmental requirements. Therefore, accelerating the development of TPE in China is imperative.