Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is an fully thermoplastic elastomer. TPU is elastic and melt-processable. It can be processed on extrusion as well as injection with blow and compression molding equipment. TPU is a special category of plastic created when a polyaddition reaction occurs between a diisocyanate and one or more diols that result in high resilience, good compression set, resistance to impacts, tears, abrasions, weather and hydrocarbons. TPU gives flexibility without the use of plasticizers as well as a wide range of hardness and elasticity. TPU bridges the material gap between rubbers and plastics.
Other Common Variations
TPUs has some traits that set them apart from other plastic materials.
- High abrasion resistance.
- Excellent low temperature and impact strenght.
- Resilience to oils, greases and numerous solvents.
- Good flexibility over a wide temperature range
- Suitability for bonding and welding
- Robust weather and high energy radiation resistance
General Information
- Hardness Range: 80 to 95 Shore A
- Relative Cost: Medium-High
Service Temperature
- Standard Low Temperature: -35°C / -31°F
- Standard High Temperature: 100°C / 212°F
| Performs well in | Does not perform well in | |
| Diluted acids and alkaline solutions | Ketones | |
| Mineral oils | Esters | |
| Ozone | Hot water and steam | |
| Aliphatic hydrocarbons | Polar organic solvents | |
| Water up to 50°C | Aromatic hydrocarbons | |
| Lubricants | Alkalis amines | |
| Acids |