Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) TPE(thermoplastic elastomer) and silicone are two similar rubber materials that both have a variety of advantages. LSR is thermoset, but TPE materials is thermoplastic.Both are often used in the process of injection molding. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is sometimes called thermoplastic rubber. It is a class of copolymer, or physical mixtures of polymers, consisting of materials with thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. Thermoplastic elastomer offer the typical advantages of rubber and plastic materials. One of the advantages of using thermoplastic elastomer is the ability to stretch to moderate elongation and return to the original shape, resulting in longer service life and better physical range than other materials. liquid silicone rubber (LSR) Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is a thermoset material which is a synthetic resin with chemical bond polymers. Heating LSR mixture will result in polymer cross-linking in chemical bonds, and create permanent strength and shape substances after curing process. what is the difference between TPE and LSR? We compare from three aspects: design, production and performance.
Design
TPE can make the product surface and have different touches such as silky smooth, slightly sticky or easy to grip. LSR have skin-like touch such as dry, smooth, soft and elastic. LSR reflect surface texture better than TPE. TPE and LSR offer full spectrum color options for transparent, translucent and opaque colors. LSR can prevent adsorption which is suitable for wearable devices. TPE can achieve a variety of color effects, including metallic colors, pearlescent colors, textured textures, marble patterns and other precipitation effects. LSR easily flows into molds with different wall thicknesses and can fill longer and thinner sections of the mold. Although TPE can reduce material viscosity when processed at high shear rates, TPE must be "squeezed" into the mold before it can be fully filled, especially formulations with a hardness greater than Shore 50A.
Production
LSR is a good choice when product applications require materials that are not prone to softening at sustained high temperatures. However, TPE has advantagesin recycling and reprocessing, and is more environmentally friendly and economical. TPE are more suitable for overmolding with a plastic substrate than LSR.
Performance
Silicone is highly durable and maintains its properties even after prolonged and repetitive in different environments. It is inert to most chemicals and can function reliably in temperatures ranging from -100F to 450F. TPE may permanently deform or lose their properties when exposed to chemicals, wide temperature ranges, and repetitive usage. Both TPE and LSR have their unique advantages and are chosen based on specific application requirements. TPE is valued for their balance of flexibility and processability, while LSR excel in high-temperature resistance, biocompatibility, and chemical resistance. The choice between TPE and silicone depends on the specific needs of the intended application. Welcome to Contact us to discuss your products and choose the suitable material.
