A TPE-TPR manufacturer explains the difference between TPE and TPR materials
Publish Time
2022-08-04
TPE and TPR materials are mature technologies abroad and have been developed in China for 30-40 years, with over 20 years of market presence. However, many users still ask whether TPE and TPR are materials and what the difference is between them. TpR-TpE manufacturers provide an objective and comprehensive explanation of the differences between TPE and TPR, clarifying the distinctions between these two materials.

TPE and TPR materials are mature technologies abroad and have been developed in China for 30-40 years, with over 20 years of market presence. However, many users still ask whether TPE and TPR are materials and what the difference is between them. TpR-TpE glue Manufacturers provide a relatively objective and comprehensive explanation of the differences between TPE and TPR. TpR-TpE glue manufacturers discuss the differences between TPE and TPR materials.
TPR is thermoplastic rubber. TpR-TpE glue manufacturers believe that compared to the amorphous cross-linking characteristics of rubber, this material can be shaped at both high temperatures and room temperature. Due to its properties, it is called thermoplastic rubber, abbreviated as TPR.
SBS elastomers have unsaturated double bonds in their molecular chains, resulting in insufficient aging resistance, weather resistance, and temperature resistance. Through continuous technological innovation, SEBS elastomers have been developed. SEBS essentially converts the unsaturated double bonds of SBS into single-bond saturated molecular structures through hydrogenation, improving the material's resistance to aging, weathering, tearing, and high temperatures. SEBS can also be processed using injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and other methods. Currently, TpR-TpE glue manufacturers believe that in China's SEBS/SBS blended modification industry, composite elastomer materials modified with SBS base materials are called TPR, and those modified with SEBS base materials are called TPE.
However, TpR-TpE glue manufacturers note that the names differ in some foreign countries and regions. Regardless of whether SEBS or SBS is used, TPR is the commonly used name. Additionally, in Europe and the United States, SEBS, SBS, and their blended elastomers are called TPES and TPE-S.
TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) differs from thermoplastic rubber (TPR) in its literal meaning and encompasses a broader range of materials.
Regarding TPE, as TpR-TpE glue manufacturers explain, besides the commonly known SEBS-blended elastomers, there is a broader concept. It refers to all thermoplastic elastomers, including polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers TPU, polyamide elastomers TPAE, polyester thermoplastic elastomers TPEE, polyolefin elastomers TPO, and special dynamic vulcanized elastomers TPV, etc. In fact, TpR-TpE glue manufacturers believe that selecting the appropriate elastomer material based on application requirements is crucial.
Summary
Whether TPE and TPR are materials. To some extent, TPE and TPR can be considered materials, differing only in name. Generally, in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Zhejiang regions, some users habitually use TPR.
According to some industry colleagues, TPE is considered more advanced than TPR. TPR is generally used in traditional industries such as toys, shoes, and daily necessities. In electronics, telecommunications, and medical industries, TPE is mostly used.
According to material production regulations, TPE and TPR are styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer modified elastomer materials, with SEBS-based modification for TPE and SBS-based modification for TPR.
Related News