Thermoplastic gaskets (TPE, TPV)
Thermoplastic extruded elastomers (TPE,TPV) are materials that combine the properties of elastomers (rubber materials) and thermoplastics (materials that can be molded when heated). Both TPEs and TPVs are flexible, durable and can be processed using conventional plastic technologies such as extrusion. These materials are widely used in the automotive industry, in electrical engineering and in the manufacture of various consumer products due to their flexibility, wear resistance and recyclability.
More information about thermoplastics?
Description
TPE and TPV thermoplastic gaskets are modern sealing profiles manufactured by extrusion from thermoplastic elastomers. These are materials that behave like rubber but are processed like plastic. This means that they have the flexibility of elastomers but can be repeatedly melted and extruded like conventional plastics. They are becoming increasingly popular, especially as a replacement for EPDM gaskets or soft PVC.
Properties
They have very good permanent deformation properties and weather resistance in the temperature range -40 °C to +70 °C. They are also characterised by good physical-mechanical values. Features of TPE gaskets excellent elasticity soft (typically 40-80 Shore A) possibility of colour variants (black, white, grey...) health safety for medical/food TPE Disadvantages: lower heat resistance (up to approx. 70-120 °C depending on type) may be less resistant to oil or UV (depending on type of TPE) Features of TPV gaskets As they are TPE with vulcanized rubber phase, they have better properties: Advantages of TPV (TPE-V): very good temperature resistance: -40 to +125 °C excellent UV and ozone resistance better chemical resistance behaviour similar to EPDM high durability Disadvantages: more expensive than conventional TPE poorer flexibility at low hardness compared to silicone
Versions
Thermoplastic gaskets are manufactured in several basic shapes, either as square, rectangle, circular gasket, intermediate ring or special shapes.
Material basis
Currently, TPE-based materials include several types of materials, for example: TPE-S/SBS, SEBS (styrenic elastomers) TPE-O (olefinic) TPE-V/TPV (vulcanized TPE) TPE-U (polyurethane) TPE-E (copolyesters) For extruded seals, TPE-S (SEBS) and TPE-V (TPV) are the most commonly used. Specific gravity around 1.2 g/cm3 and hardness from 30 to 60 °ShA.
