Applications
Normally it is aromatic, but where color and clarity retention during exposure to sunlight is a priority, an aliphatic hard segment is typically recommended. The soft segment can be either polyether or polyester type. The choice affects the relative suitability for a given application. For use in wet TPU Applications Recognizing the value of these performance characteristics, manufacturers of a broad assortment of products specify TPU to increase overall product durability and to streamline production processes.
Specialty Grades
Flame retardant
Flame retarded grades of TPU are available and provide tear resistance and toughness for cable jacketing.
Antistatic
Some TPU grades can be produced with an antistatic behavior for special applications such as safety or industrial footwear.
Reinforced
When mixed with glass fiber or mineral fillers, TPU becomes a structural engineering material that retains the desirable properties of abrasion resistance, paintability, high impact strength, good low temperature properties, good fuel resistance and high flow characteristics.
Blending
TPU is an outstanding contributor of properties in polymer blends. When added to polymers such as PVC, TPU helps improve toughness, abrasion resistance, low temperature flexibility and compression set.
When compounded with polycarbonate, ABS or acetal, a TPU resin with a nominal 18,000 flexural modulus can produce resins with a flexural modulus value of up to 150,000 psi. Specialized resins can be made that blend the properties of engineering plastics with the features and benefits of TPU. Whether for its outstanding abrasion resistance, improved product durability, or ease of manufacturing, TPU is a versatile performer in today’s TPE marketplace.
TPU bridges the gap between rubber and plastics. Its range of physical properties enables TPU to be used as both a hard rubber and as a soft engineering thermoplastic.
This article is courtesy of The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry.
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