The Thermoplastic Elastomer Family
Thermoplastic elastomers represent a diverse family of materials, each with unique properties and characteristics suited for specific applications.
Understanding the different types of TPEs helps in selecting the optimal material for your application requirements. Each family member offers distinct advantages in terms of processing, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Our Product Lines:
DIOFLEX® TPE
Versatile thermoplastic elastomers with exceptional flexibility, durability, and processing ease
Our DIOFLEX brand TPE compounds
DIOFLEX TPE Characteristics
DIOFLEX thermoplastic elastomers offer an outstanding combination of flexibility, durability, and easy processing. Available in general purpose, high performance, and specialty grades across a wide hardness range for diverse applications.
Advantages:
- Wide hardness range
- Soft-touch feel
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Colorable & overmoldable
- 100% recyclable
Applications:
- Grips & handles
- Automotive components
- Consumer goods
- Electronics & cable jacketing
Our Engineered TPU & TPV Solutions
High-performance materials for demanding applications — available through APS Elastomers
Zythane® TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethanes offering outstanding abrasion resistance, load-bearing capacity, and flexibility across a wide hardness range. Available in ester and ether grades.
Key Features:
- Superior abrasion resistance
- High tensile & tear strength
- Oil & grease resistance
- Low-temperature flexibility
Applications:
Wheels & casters, industrial belting, hydraulic seals, wire & cable jacketing, medical devices, sports equipment
Viprene® TPV
Thermoplastic vulcanizates combining the elastic performance of thermoset rubber with the easy processing of thermoplastics. Ideal rubber replacement for sealing and gasketing applications.
Key Features:
- Excellent compression set resistance
- Heat resistance to 135°C
- Outstanding weatherability
- Recyclable — unlike thermoset rubber
Applications:
Automotive seals & gaskets, HVAC components, appliance gaskets, window profiles, under-hood parts
TPE Selection Guide
Choosing the right TPE for your application
| TPE Type | Hardness Range | Temperature Range | Key Advantages | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPE (DIOFLEX®) | Shore A 10-95 | -60°C to 100°C | Flexibility, easy processing, recyclable | Automotive, consumer goods, electronics, industrial |
| TPU (Zythane®) | Shore A 70 – Shore D 75 | -40°C to 120°C | Abrasion resistance, high strength | Wheels, belting, medical, sports |
| TPV (Viprene®) | Shore A 35 – Shore D 50 | -40°C to 135°C | Compression set, weatherability | Automotive seals, HVAC, gaskets |
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