{"id":1369,"date":"2010-12-14T15:10:50","date_gmt":"2010-12-14T20:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulprospector.com\/knowledge\/?p=1369"},"modified":"2018-02-09T14:06:37","modified_gmt":"2018-02-09T20:06:37","slug":"pe-thermoplastic-polyurethanes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ulprospector.ul.com\/1369\/pe-thermoplastic-polyurethanes\/","title":{"rendered":"Thermoplastic Polyurethanes – Versatile and Durable for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Products"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Roger Huarng and Stephane Morin, Alliance Polymers and Services<\/a><\/p>\n

Thermoplastic polyurethanes<\/a> (TPUs) can be found just about anywhere, filling the void between flexible rubber and rigid plastic or simply serving as a replacement for other materials. Applications are limitless because TPUs are known for their extremely high wear resistance, good compression set, excellent tear strength, high elasticity, high transparency, great low temperature performance, durable environmental resistance and excellent processability. Combine this with their resistance to water and high temperatures, oils and grease while maintaining superior mechanical property performance, TPUs should be on everyone\u2019s list who involved with product design, production and marketing. TPUs are a material that can add value and appeal.<\/p>\n

Thermoplastic polyurethanes are not only the most versatile of any group of plastics, but they also offer the widest variety of technology platforms with their ability to be formulated into an infinite number of variations in chemistry and structure (stiffness, hardness and densities) to meet the most challenging needs of a particular application. And they are phthalate free. Of special note is that most polymerization of TPUs is done by the customer, not the chemical manufacturer, thus giving the processor broad control over the finished product.<\/p>\n

By way of background, thermoplastic polyurethanes, part of a larger group of elastomers called thermoplastic elastomers<\/a> or TPEs, were developed in the early part of the 20th century. They didn\u2019t go fully commercial until the 1950\u2019s, but are noted to be the first major elastomers to be processed by thermoplastic processing methods. Today, they are broken down into two types: 1) polyester-based TPUs, derived from adipic acid esters for applications requiring high abrasion resistance, excellent mechanical properties and 2) polyether-based TPUs for applications calling for good mechanical properties, excellent low temperature flexibility and great hydrolysis resistance.<\/p>\n

Applications Abound Because TPUs Offer Great Features and Benefits<\/strong>
\nGenerally applications include all types of consumer and industrial products (where a soft, grippy surface and rubbery, colorful or clear finish is desired) to seals and gaskets, appliances, transportation (automotive, truck, recreational vehicles), medical products, furnishings, inflatables, marine and agricultural equipment, military equipment, electronics and building and construction products, plus coatings and adhesives, among others.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s good reason for the popularity of thermoplastic polyurethanes. Depending upon the grade selected, they offer designers, processors and marketers a slew of benefits and features because they are:<\/p>\n