What is the hardness of TPE thermoplastic elastomer?

In the rubber and plastic industry, there is a material called TPE, also known as thermoplastic elastomer. It refers to a type of material that has the thermoplasticity of plastic and the elasticity of rubber. As a new material, the hardness of TPE thermoplastic elastomer is an extremely important one among its many properties. The hardness of TPE refers to the ability of the material to resist external force pressing into its surface, usually expressed by Shore Hardness. Shore hardness is divided into multiple scales such as A, D, and C. Among them, Shore A hardness (Shore A) is often used to measure softer materials such as rubber and soft plastics; Shore D hardness (Shore D) is used to measure harder materials. So what is the hardness of TPE thermoplastic elastomer? Let's follow the editor of Shenzhen Zhongsuwang TPE to take a look!

The hardness of TPE is mainly determined by its molecular structure and composition. TPE is usually a block copolymer composed of hard segments and soft segments. The hard segment provides rigidity and strength, while the soft segment gives the material elasticity and softness. By adjusting the ratio of hard segment and soft segment, and adding different fillers, plasticizers, etc., the hardness of TPE can be precisely controlled.

1. Factors affecting the hardness of TPE

Formula ingredients: The formula ingredients of TPE have a decisive influence on its hardness. For example, increasing the proportion of hard segment polymer or adding fillers (such as calcium carbonate, talcum powder, etc.) can increase the hardness; while adding plasticizers (such as cyclohexane oil, paraffin oil, etc.) can reduce the hardness.

Processing technology: Processing conditions, such as processing temperature, pressure and cooling rate, will also affect the hardness of TPE. Generally speaking, increasing the processing temperature will make the material molecular chain more stretched, and the hardness may be slightly reduced; while increasing the pressure will make the material more dense and the hardness will increase accordingly.

Environmental factors: Conditions such as temperature and humidity in the use environment will also affect the hardness of TPE. For example, as the temperature increases, the hardness of TPE may decrease; and as the humidity changes, some TPE materials may absorb or dehumidify, which will affect their hardness.

2. TPE hardness control method

In order to meet the needs of different application scenarios, the hardness of TPE needs to be precisely controlled. The following are some commonly used control methods:

Adjust the formula: By changing the formula ingredients of TPE raw materials, such as increasing or decreasing hard segment polymers, fillers, plasticizers, etc., the hardness can be precisely controlled.

Optimize processing technology: Adjusting process conditions such as processing temperature, pressure and cooling rate can affect the microstructure of TPE and thus change its hardness.

Surface treatment: Treating the surface of TPE products by physical or chemical methods, such as coating, vulcanization, etc., can also change its surface hardness.

From the above introduction, it can be seen that the hardness of TPE thermoplastic elastomer is an extremely important one among its many properties. By deeply understanding the principles, influencing factors and control methods of TPE hardness, we can better meet the needs of different application scenarios.