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What are Thermoplastic Vulcanizates?

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) are advanced elastomeric materials that combine the processing advantages of thermoplastics with the performance characteristics of thermoset rubber.

TPVs are produced through dynamic vulcanization, where rubber particles are cross-linked during melt processing with a thermoplastic matrix, resulting in materials with exceptional compression set resistance, weather durability, and chemical compatibility.

Unique Advantages:
Excellent Compression Set
Superior Weather Resistance
Wide Temperature Range
Recyclable & Reprocessable

TPV vs Traditional Materials

Understanding the advantages of thermoplastic vulcanizates

vs Thermoset Rubber

Faster processing cycles
No vulcanization required
Recyclable scrap material
Consistent quality

vs Standard TPE

Better compression set resistance
Superior weather resistance
Higher temperature stability
Enhanced chemical resistance

vs Rigid Plastics

Excellent flexibility
Impact resistance
Soft touch properties
Noise dampening

TPV Application Categories

Advanced solutions for demanding applications

Automotive Applications

TPVs excel in automotive applications requiring long-term durability, weather resistance, and consistent performance.

Common Applications:
  • Weather seals and gaskets
  • Under-hood components
  • Body panel seals
  • HVAC ducts and seals
  • Suspension components
Key Properties: UV resistance, ozone resistance, temperature stability

Building & Construction

TPVs provide long-lasting performance in construction applications exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

Common Applications:
  • Window and door seals
  • Roofing membranes
  • Expansion joint seals
  • Glazing gaskets
  • Weatherstripping
Key Properties: Weather resistance, UV stability, long-term durability

Appliance Applications

TPVs offer reliable sealing and insulation performance in household and commercial appliances.

Common Applications:
  • Refrigerator door seals
  • Oven door gaskets
  • Washing machine seals
  • Dishwasher components
  • HVAC system seals
Key Properties: Temperature resistance, chemical resistance, food contact safety

Industrial Applications

Industrial TPVs deliver consistent performance in demanding manufacturing and processing environments.

Common Applications:
  • Industrial seals and gaskets
  • Conveyor belt components
  • Vibration dampeners
  • Flexible couplings
  • Pump and valve components
Key Properties: Chemical resistance, compression set resistance, temperature stability

TPV Performance Characteristics

Understanding TPV material properties

Temperature Range

Continuous use from -40°C to +135°C

Excellent performance across wide temperature range
Hardness Range

Shore A 35 to Shore D 50

Wide range of hardness options available
Compression Set

Excellent resistance to permanent deformation

Superior long-term sealing performance

Ready to Test Our TPV Materials?

Request a free material sample and explore how our TPV solutions perform for your application.

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