The difference between TPE and TPR
TPR and TPE are both belong to thermoplastic elastomer, at present there is no defined industry standard,
so a lot of people confuse them, or even confused. But,TPE and TPR is a certain difference.
"Thermoplastic Elastomer" is the abbreviation of TPE, which meaning thermoplastic elastomer.
The English name abbreviation of"Thermoplastic rubber"is TPR, which meaning thermoplastic rubber.
While TPE is from Modification of the substrate from the SEBS, TPR is usually made of SBS.
The SEBS is hydrogenated SBS ( "hydrogenation" mean that molecular hydrogen is introduced into
unsaturated molecules in the special reaction conditions, making the molecular structure become to saturated)
after the product. SEBS with a saturated molecular structure, and its anti-aging, yellowing resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance is better than SBS. The same relative
performance of TPE is better than TPR's.The difference between TPR and TPE: the surface of TPE is matte,
with light exposure astigmatism, but TPR particles have bright side, with a light reflective, especially the
transparent material becomes more apparent. Smooth feel comfortable of TPE, but there are somewhat sticky
of TPR, particularly above the temperature at 30-40, becomes more apparent.The products need bonding glue, such as shoes, handicrafts, toys, dolls, etc.,
usually use TPR material, due to firm comparison of TPR and glue , but with the TPE material is almost non-stick and glue. TPR is also suitable for products is colorful , which the surface brightness of the product.
TPE plastic and TPR have the flexibility of plastic and rubber, there are unsaturated molecular structure
of TPR molecules similar to rubber, and therefore more feel and elasticity as rubber. Difference of
combustion between TPR and TPE: there are thic smoke when burning TPE, while the TPR relatively
thick black smoke from burning.