The advantages and disadvantages of TPR materials

I. Advantages of TPR Materials

1. Good Elasticity and Flexibility
   TPR (thermoplastic rubber) materials exhibit rubber-like elasticity and excellent tensile rebound, resisting breakage after repeated bending. They are suitable for dynamic stretching scenarios such as sports shoe soles and shock-absorbing components.
2. Excellent Processability

• Can be molded via thermoplastic processes (injection, extrusion, blow molding) with high production efficiency, eliminating the need for vulcanization and reducing energy consumption.

• Short molding cycles and easy adjustment of product shape/size make them ideal for mass customization.

3. Good Environmental Performance

• Some TPR materials are recyclable, reducing waste pollution.

• Free of harmful substances like phthalates (compliant with RoHS, REACH, etc.), suitable for children’s toys, medical supplies, and other fields.

4. Diverse Surface Properties

• Formulations can achieve matte, high-gloss, or foggy surface effects to meet diverse aesthetic needs.

• Adjustable surface friction enables both high-slip-resistant products (e.g., bathroom mats) and low-friction components (e.g., pulleys).

5. Weather and Chemical Resistance

• Better water, oil, and acid/alkali resistance than natural rubber, suitable for outdoor use or liquid-contact scenarios (e.g., automotive seals, kitchenware).

• Good aging resistance with proper formulation, resisting long-term cracking.

6. Cost Advantages

• Simpler production processes and lower overall costs than traditional vulcanized rubber; some TPR can replace silicone at a better price-performance ratio.

II. Disadvantages of TPR Materials

1. Limited High-Temperature Resistance
   Most TPR materials have a heat resistance of 70–100°C, softening and deforming at higher temperatures. Unsuitable for high-temperature environments (e.g., kitchen components, engine parts).
2. Poor Solvent Resistance
   Long-term contact with organic solvents like gasoline or diesel may cause swelling or cracking, limiting use in fuel systems and similar scenarios.
3. High Compression Set
   Under long-term compressive loads, the material is prone to permanent deformation (e.g., reduced sealing performance of gaskets after prolonged use). Requires metal support structures or regular replacement.
4. Inadequate Ozone Resistance
   Prone to aging and cracking in high-ozone environments (e.g., near copiers or laser printers), requiring additional anti-ozone additives.
5. Restricted Hardness Range
   Typically with a Shore A hardness of 20–90, unsuitable for ultra-soft or ultra-hard applications (e.g., super-soft tactile toys, industrial wear-resistant parts), where materials like silicone or polyurethane are preferred.
6. Batch Stability Issues
   Slight formulation adjustments or process variations across batches may cause performance differences, posing challenges for high-precision applications (e.g., medical catheters).