Is TPE material harmful when burned?

Today, the development and application of new materials are quietly transforming our lifestyles and injecting fresh momentum into various industries. With its unique performance advantages, TPE material has become a safety-assured material across numerous fields. But do you know if TPE material is harmful when burned?

When TPE materials burn, they melt and release heat, smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, potentially causing oxygen deprivation in humans and proving fatal in severe cases. If halogenated flame retardants are present, combustion may also generate halogenated hydrogen gases like hydrogen chloride, and even dioxins with potential carcinogenic risks.

The smoke produced is not only toxic but also significantly reduces environmental visibility, hindering evacuation and rescue efforts. Fine particulate matter in the smoke can penetrate the respiratory system, causing irritation and coughing. Long-term exposure may lead to chronic diseases, and smoke accumulation in enclosed spaces poses severe safety threats.

Different TPE types exhibit varying combustion characteristics: Styrene-based TPEs (e.g., SBS, SEBS) produce copious black smoke and harmful gases during combustion; polyolefin-based TPEs like TPO and TPV burn relatively slowly with minimal smoke. Flame-retardant modification improves combustion performance, and halogen-free flame-retardant TPEs emit fewer toxic gases during combustion, making them more environmentally friendly.

Safety precautions for TPE material usage:

- Prioritize halogen-free flame-retardant TPEs in crowded or enclosed spaces. Incorporate fire safety requirements into product design. Store and process away from ignition sources with adequate ventilation. Regularly inspect products for aging and replace promptly. Developing more environmentally friendly and safer TPE materials represents a key future direction for the industry.

That concludes today's insights from the Zhongsu Wang editorial team. See you next time!