Do you know the shelf life of thermoplastic elastomer TPE and the factors affecting it?

Thermoplastic elastomer TPE is widely used in many industrial fields due to its advantages of high elasticity and easy processing. As a polymer material, its properties will change physically and chemically over time. Understanding its shelf life and the factors affecting it is important for inventory management, cost control and product quality.

The following Zhongsu Wang from the thermoplastic elastomer TPE shelf life definition, factors affecting and expiration of the response to three aspects, a detailed introduction.

I. Definition of shelf life of TPE

Under normal storage conditions, the shelf life of TPE is usually 12 to 18 months, which is usually indicated by the manufacturer on the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) of the product or on the packaging.

During this period, physical properties such as hardness and tensile strength, as well as processing properties such as fluidity, can be maintained within standardized limits by following storage specifications of sealing, protection from light and ambient temperature. Beyond this period, the material is not completely unusable, but the risk of deviation in performance will increase significantly, and need to be re-tested and evaluated.

II. the core factors affecting the shelf life of TPE

The shelf life of thermoplastic elastomer TPE is influenced by the environment and the characteristics of the material itself. Environmental aspects, high temperature will accelerate the oxidation of the molecular chain, high humidity may lead to hygroscopic hydrolysis of the material, strong ultraviolet rays will destroy the molecular structure, all of which will shorten the shelf life.

Material itself, different substrates such as SEBS substrate aging resistance is better than the SBS substrate and the formulation of antioxidants, antioxidants, antioxidants, the quality of the dosage of the quality of the agent, but also affects its aging resistance and shelf life.

III. the expired TPE response suggestions

Expired TPE may appear on the surface of the frost, odor aggravation, processing difficulties and other issues, rash use of easy to produce waste products. It is recommended that a small batch of trial production and test the performance of the finished product can be downgraded according to the situation or mixed with new materials to reduce losses.

In short, thermoplastic elastomer TPE conventional shelf life of 12-18 months, reasonable storage, scientific treatment of expired raw materials, can better protect the smooth progress of production.