Thermoplastic Elastomers

TPE thermoplastic elastomer ( sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers TPR), is a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber). It is distinguished from other conventional plastics because it has both the elasticity of rubber and the thermoplasticity of plastics.

Jinwo Machinery is committed to providing advanced twin screw extruders for all kind of TPE compounding (TPE / TPV / TPU / TPA).

Classification

1. Styrenic block copolymers, TPS (TPE-s)

Thermoplastic elastomers described as TPS are compounds based on SBS or SEBS. In fact, the words SBS or SEBS are often used to describe these compounds when they are in fact raw materials. By describing compounds as SBS or SEBS it enables us to know the general level of performance and properties of the compound.

2. Thermoplastic Vulcanizates, TPV (TPE-v or TPV)

TPV compounds are the next step up in performance from TPO. These too are compounds of PP and EPDM rubber, however they have been dynamically vulcanised during the compounding step. They were originally conceived to bridge the gap between thermoplastic materials and vulcanised EPDM.

They have seen strong growth in automotive seals, pipe seals, and other applications where a heat resistance of up to 120 degree C is required. Shore hardness values range typically from 45A to 45D. TPVs also lend themselves to under-bonnet automotive applications where improved temperature and oil resistance is required.

3. Thermoplastic polyolefinelastomers, TPO (TPE-o)

TPO compounds are resin blends of polypropylene (PP) and un-crosslinked EPDM rubber and polyethylene. They are characterised by high impact resistance, low density and good chemical resistance.

They are used in applications where there is a requirement for increased toughness and durability over the conventional PP copolymers, such as automotive bumpers and dashboards. The properties are restricted to the high end of the hardness scale, typically >80 Shore A and with limited elastomeric properties.

TPOs can be easily processed by injection moulding, extrusion or blow moulding.

4. Thermoplastic polyurethanes, TPU(TPE-u)

TPU or Thermoplastic Polyurethane are a category of plastic created when a polyaddition reaction occurs between diisocyanate and one or more diols. They can be used as a soft engineering plastic or as a replacement for hard rubber.

Video

Application

Automotive (Dust cover, Triangular window, Air filter, Hand break, etc.)
Wire and cable (Electric cable, Ignition wire, Headphone wire, Connector plugs, etc.)
Construction & Transportation (Sealing strip, Expansion joint, Metro pads, etc.)
Other Industrial (Drain pipe, Handle, Cup mat, foot pad, Shoes, etc.)

Technical Specifications

JWP Series Twin Screw Extruders

Model	Diameter (mm)	L/D	Speed (rmp)	Motor (kw)	Output (kg/h)
JWP-40	41	28-64	600	30	50-120
JWP-50	50.5	28-64	500/600	55/75	150-180
JWP-65	62.4	28-64	500/600	90/110	200-400
JWP-75	71	28-64	500/600	132/160	330-660
JWP-95	93	28-64	500/600	315/355	750-1580
JWP-135	133	28-64	400/500	550/750	2200-3800

JWP High Torque Twin Screw Extruders

Model	Diameter (mm)	L/D	Speed (rmp)	Motor (kw)	Output (kg/h)
JWP-35D	35.6	28-64	600	30	50-90
JWP-35D	35.6	28-64	800	37	60-110
JWP-50D	50.5	28-64	600	90	200-300
JWP-50D	50.5	28-64	800	110	300-450
JWP-65D	62.4	28-64	600	160	400-660
JWP-65D	62.4	28-64	800	200	500-800
JWP-75D	71	28-64	600	250	800-1300
JWP-75D	71	28-64	800	315	700-1300
JWP-95D	93	28-64	600	450	1300-2300
JWP-95D	93	28-64	800	550	1600-2800

TPV Compounding

Thermoplastic Vulcanizate(TPV) is a thermoplastic dynamic full vulcanizate, which is made by dynamically vulcanizing the rubber in a molten plastic phase. We call it dynamic vulcanization process in the industry. Usually, the TPV compounding needs a two-step process.

First step —Oil-filled

EDPM， PP， Oil， Carbon Black， Calcium Carbonate compound with a twin screw extruder machine with underwater pelletizing system

Second step—Dynamic vulcanization

Put the oil-filled mixture produced by the first step，peroxide ，Vulcanizing agent into the low speed mixer , then these mixtures will be added into the pellets weight-loss scale on the second platform to process again (a twin screw extruder with underwater pelletizing system)

TPU Compounding

TPU products are customized during polymerization. A typical chemical reaction starts with a blend of lower viscosity liquids and then through reaction produces a higher viscosity final product.

The first is usually addressed with a fully automatic TPU casting machine. Narrow residence time, good homogenization of reactants, and removal of heat can be accomplished with a screw design and efficient barrel tempering. The more challenging requirement is residence time. A residence time of 1 to 3 minutes can have a significant negative impact on production rates. A typical compounded TPO has a residence time of 10 to 20 seconds. The longer TPV process section approaches a minute residence time. Therefore, a high internal, lower shear design twin-screw is optimal for this polymerization process.

Cooperation Case

Country: Korea

Pelletizing System: Underwater Pelletizing System

Material: TPV