Thermoplastic Elastomers / Olefins / Vulcanizates

Thermoplastic materials soften when heated and harden when cooled. They can withstand many heating and cooling cycles and are often suitable for recycling. Thermoplastics consist of polymers – long chains of molecules that contain smaller, repeating units called monomers. Elastomer is a definition use to describe a material which can be deformed significantly beyond its original dimensions and return to its original shape once the stress is removed.

PHOENIX SPECIALIZES IN 3 CLASSES OF FLEXIBLE COMPOUNDS

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) are a class of polymers that, within their design limits, behave like thermoset rubber. However, above their melting or softening temperature, TPE’s are melt-processable via most thermoplastic processing methods. Unlike thermoset rubber, TPE’s have the waste reduction capability of being easily reprocessed and remolded. The ability to process these materials with thermoplastic methods allows for design and fabrication freedom thermoset rubber does not offer.

Thermoplastic Olefins (TPOs) offer the low temperature impact and ductility performance of true elastomers, but at a much lower cost. While they lack the matte finish and “soft” feel of TPV’s and the true elastomeric qualities of both TPEs and TPVs, the compete very favorably with TPE and TPV’s impact and flexibility properties.

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are composed of a highly cross-linked elastomeric phase dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix. These are melt blends of the thermoplastic phase of a polyolefin with cross-linked phase of a polyolefin.

Applications for TPEs, TPOs and TPVs inculde - Automotive seals, gaskets, ducts, hoses, knobs, strut covers, grips, industrial and residential weather-stripping, air dams, appliance components, roofing products and many other consumer and industrial products.