Which is better？TPE or PVC? Key Differences Explained

TPE and PVC share numerous similarities in performance characteristics and have significant overlap in application areas. This often leaves manufacturing and processing companies torn when selecting materials — what exactly distinguishes TPE from PVC? Which better suits their specific needs?

The key to determining whether TPE or PVC is superior lies in understanding their fundamental differences. Only by comprehensively understanding their distinctions in structural composition, density parameters, hardness ranges, and physicochemical properties can one make an appropriate choice based on actual production requirements. Below, China Plastics Online provides a detailed analysis of the core differences between TPE and PVC to assist in material selection decisions.

1. Structural Differences?

TPE: Hydrocarbon compounds

PVC: Chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds

2. Density Differences?

TPE: Most TPE materials have a specific gravity between 0.84-1.2, making them relatively lightweight. The same mass (kg) can produce larger-volume products.

PVC: Specific gravity typically ranges from 1.3-1.4.

3. Hardness Differences?

TPE: Wide hardness range, 0A-70D.

PVC: For soft rubber materials, hardness generally falls between 50A-90A.

4. Mechanical Properties Differences?

TPE: Excellent tensile resistance, tensile strength up to tens of megapascals, elongation at break up to 10 times, high mechanical strength.

PVC: High mechanical strength.

5. Temperature resistance differences?

TPE: Can withstand temperatures over 70°C long-term, maximum service temperature 149°C. Decomposes above 270°C in oxygen environments, maintains good form at -60°C, high temperature resistance.

PVC: Temperature resistance ranges from -15°C to 60°C. Poor light and heat stability. Exposure to temperatures above 100°C or sunlight reduces the softening point to 80°C. Decomposes at 130°C, releasing irritating hydrogen chloride gas.

6. What are the differences in chemical resistance?

TPE: Resistant to corrosion and ozone. Ozone aging (38°C) for 100 hours causes less than 10% performance reduction. Resistant to common chemicals (water, acids, alkalis, alcohol-based solvents). Can be briefly immersed in solvents or oils.

PVC: High chemical resistance and corrosion resistance, but not ozone resistant. Corrodes under strong acids like concentrated sulfuric acid or nitric acid; cannot contact aromatic hydrocarbons or chlorinated hydrocarbons.

7. Combustion differences?

TPE: Halogen-free material; burns with low smoke and no toxicity; some grades emit aromatic odors when burning.

PVC: Emits large amounts of smoke and releases irritating gases.

Therefore, TPE demonstrates superior characteristics to PVC in most performance aspects. For manufacturers aiming to produce eco-friendly, non-toxic green products, selecting TPE as the environmentally friendly material is essential to enhance product competitiveness—this is your core advantage.

For specific selection of eco-friendly TPE materials, we recommend consulting Zhongsu Wang. Zhongsu has over a decade of expertise in this field.