10 Thermoplastic Elastomers

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have two big f. adhesion to inks, adhesives, and overmold-
advantages over the conventional thermoset (vulca- ing substrates
nized) elastomers. Those are ease and speed of pro- 2. “soft phase”—elastomeric properties:
cessing. Other advantages of TPEs are recyclablity a. lower service temperature limits
of scrap, lower energy costs for processing, and the
availability of standard, uniform grades (not gener- b. hardness
ally available in thermosets). c. flexibility
TPEs are molded or extruded on standard plastics- d. compression set and tensile set
processing equipment in considerably shorter cycle
times than those required for compression or transfer Three high-performance types of TPEs make up
molding of conventional rubbers. They are made by this chapter.
copolymerizing two or more monomers, using either
block or graft polymerization techniques. One of the
monomers provides the hard, or crystalline, polymer 10.1 Thermoplastic Polyurethane
segment that functions as a thermally stable compo- Elastomers
nent; the other monomer develops the soft or amor-
phous segment, which contributes the elastomeric or Urethanes are a reaction product of a diisocyanate
rubbery characteristic. and long- and short-chain polyether, polyester, or
Physical and chemical properties can be controlled caprolactone glycols [1]. The polyols and the short-
by varying the ratio of the monomers and the length chain diols react with the diisocyanates to form linear
of the hard and soft segments. Block techniques cre- polyurethane molecules. This combination of diiso-
ate long-chain molecules that have various or alter- cyanate and short-chain diol produces the rigid or
nating hard and soft segments. Graft polymerization hard segment. The polyols form the flexible or soft
methods involve attaching one polymer chain to an- segment of the final molecule. Fig. 10.1 shows the
other as a branch. The properties that are affected by molecular structure in schematic form.
each phase can be generalized as follows: There are three main chemical classes of thermo-
plastic polyurethane (TPU): polyester, polyether, and
1. “hard phase”—plastic properties: a smaller class known as polycaprolactone [2].
a. processing temperatures
b. continuous use temperature • Polyester TPUs are compatible with polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and other polar plastics. Offer-
c. tensile strength ing value in the form of enhanced properties,
d. tear strength they are unaffected by oils and chemicals, pro-
e. chemical and fluid resistance vide excellent abrasion resistance, offer a good

Figure 10.1 Molecular structure of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.

Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-44201-5.00010-1

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 279
280 Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers

balance of physical properties, and are perfect The polyether-based TPUs have the following
for use in polyblends. characteristic features:
• Polyether TPUs are slightly lower in specific
gravity than polyester and polycaprolactone • fungus resistance
grades. They offer low-temperature flexibility • low-temperature flexibility
and good abrasion and tear resilience. They • excellent hydrolytic stability
are also durable against microbial attack and • acid/base resistance
provide excellent hydrolysis resistance—
making them suitable for applications where In addition to the basic components described
water is a consideration. earlier, most resin formulations contain additives to
• Polycaprolactone TPUs have the inherent facilitate production and processability. Other addi-
toughness and resistance of polyester-based tives can also be included such as:
TPUs combined with low-temperature per-
formance and a relatively high resistance to • demolding agents
­hydrolysis. They are an ideal raw material for • flame retardants
hydraulic and pneumatic seals.
• heat/UV stabilizers
TPUs can also be subdivided into aromatic and • plasticizers
aliphatic varieties:
The polyether types are slightly more expen-
• Aromatic TPUs based on isocyanates such as sive and have better hydrolytic stability and low-
4,49-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) temperature flexibility than the polyester types.
are workhorse products and can be used in ap- Manufacturers and trade names include the fol-
plications that require flexibility, strength, and lowing: Lubrizol Advanced Materials Estane® TPU,
toughness. Covestro Texin® and Desmopan®, BASF Elastollan®,
• Aliphatic TPUs based on isocyanates such as Huntsman IROGRAN®, AVALON®, KRYSTAL-
methyldicyclohexyl-diisocyanate (H12 MDI), GRAN®, and IROSTIC®.
1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate (HDI), and Applications and end uses include the following:
isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) are light sta- medical thin-walled, flexible tubing, catheters, con-
ble and offer excellent optical clarity. They nectors, luers, and stopcocks, films and fabric coat-
are commonly employed in automotive in- ings, component housings, soft touch grips, dental
terior and exterior applications and as lami- parts, automotive battery cables, ski goggles, ski boot
nating films to bond glass and polycarbonate shells, snowboard surfaces, and sports shoe soles.
­together in the glazing industry. They are also
used in projects where attributes such as op- 10.1.1 Tribology Data
tical clarity, adhesion, and surface protection
are required. Tribology data for TPU elastomers are found in
Tables 10.1–10.8.
The properties of the resin depend on the nature
of the raw materials, the reaction conditions, and the
ratio of the starting raw materials. The polyols used 10.2 Thermoplastic Copolyester
have a significant influence on certain properties of Elastomers
the TPU. Both polyether and polyester polyols are
used to produce many products. Thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPE-E or
The polyester-based TPUs have the following COPE) are block copolymers. The chemical struc-
characteristic features: ture of one such elastomer is shown in Fig. 10.2.
These TPEs are generally tougher over a broader
• good oil/solvent resistance temperature range than the urethanes described in
Section 10.1.1. Also, they are easier and more forgiv-
• good UV resistance ing in processing:
• abrasion resistance
• good heat resistance • excellent abrasion resistance
• mechanical properties • high tensile, compressive, and tear strength
10: Thermoplastic Elastomers 281

Table 10.1 Abrasion Loss (Per DIN 53516 and ISO Table 10.2 Abrasion Loss (Per DIN 53516 and ISO
4649) of BASF Elastollan® 1100 Grades Polyether- 4649) of BASF Elastollan® C Grades Polyether-
Polyurethane Thermoplastic Elastomers (Shore A or Polyurethane Thermoplastic Elastomers [3]
D Hardness) [3]
Abrasion
Abrasion Elastollan® Grade Loss (mm3)
Elastollan® Grade Loss (mm3) C 65 A HPM—65 Shore A, hard 40
1175 A W—75 Shore A, plasticized 45 phase modified
1180 A—80 Shore A 30 C 70 A HPM—70 Shore A, hard 35
1185 A W—85 Shore A, plasticized 40 phase modified

1185 A—75 Shore A 25 C 75 A HPM—75 Shore A, hard 35

phase modified
1185 A M—85 Shore A, matt 60
surface C 85 A HPM—85 Shore A, hard 40
phase modified
1185 A WM—85 Shore A, matt 38
surface, plasticized C 78 A—78 Shore A 30

1185 A FHF—85 Shore A, 35 C 80 A—80 Shore A 30

halogen-free flame retardant C 85 A—85 Shore A 30
1190 A—90 Shore A 25 C 88 A—88 Shore A 30
1195 A—95 Shore A 25 C 90 A—90 Shore A 25
1198 A—98 Shore A 25 C 95 A—95 Shore A 25
1154 D—54 Shore D 20 C 98 A—98 Shore A 30
1154 D FHF—54 Shore D, 30 C 59 D—59 Shore D 20
halogen-free flame retardant C 60 D—60 Shore D 20
1160 D—60 Shore D 20 C 64 D—64 Shore D 20
1164 D—64 Shore D 20 C 74 D—74 Shore D 20
1174 D—74 Shore D 20

• good flexibility over a wide range of tempera- Table 10.3 Abrasion Loss (Per DIN 53516 and ISO
tures 4649) of BASF Elastollan® B Grades Polyether-
Polyurethane Thermoplastic Elastomers [3]
• good hydrolytic stability
• resistance to solvents and fungus attack Abrasion
• selection of a wide range of hardness Elastollan® Grade Loss (mm3)
B 60 A ESD—60 Shore A, 120
In these polyester TPEs, the hard polyester seg- electronic sensitive devices
ments can crystallize, giving the polymer some of B 80 A—80 Shore A 35
the attributes of semicrystalline thermoplastics, most
particularly better solvent resistance than ordinary B 85 A—85 Shore A 35
rubbers, but also better heat resistance. Above the B 90 A—90 Shore A 30
melting temperature of the crystalline regions, these B 95 A—95 Shore A 30
TPEs can have low viscosity and can be molded eas-
B 98 A—98 Shore A 25
ily in thin sections and complex structures. Proper-
ties of thermoplastic polyester elastomers can be B 60 D—60 Shore D 25
fine-tuned over a range by altering the ratio of hard B 64 D—64 Shore D 25
to soft segments.
In DuPont Hytrel® polyester TPEs, the resin is a
block copolymer. The hard phase is polybutylene Manufacturers and trade names include the fol-
terephthalate (PBT). The soft segments are long- lowing: Ticona Riteflex®, DuPont™ Hytrel®, East-
chain polyether glycols. man Ecdel®, and DSM Engineering Plastics Arnitel®.
282 Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers

Table 10.4 Abrasion Loss (Per DIN 53516 and ISO Table 10.6 Abrasion Loss (Per DIN 53516 and ISO
4649) of BASF Elastollan® 600 Grades Polyether- 4649) of BASF Elastollan® 500 Grades Polyether-
Polyurethane Transparent Thermoplastic Polyurethane Thermoplastic Elastomers [3]
Elastomers [3]
Abrasion
Abrasion Elastollan® Grade Loss (mm3)
Elastollan® Grade Loss (mm3) 598 A—98 Shore A 30
670 AWHU—70 Shore A, 40 560 D—60 Shore D 30
antistatic, plasticized, UV
stabilized 564 D—64 Shore D 30

685 AU—85 Shore A, antistatic, 40

UV stabilized
Table 10.7 Abrasion Loss (Per DIN 53516 and ISO
690 AU—90 Shore A, antistatic, 40 4649) of BASF Elastollan and Elastoblend Special
UV stabilized Grades Polyether-Polyurethane Thermoplastic
695 AU—95 Shore A, antistatic, 40 Elastomers [3]
UV stabilized
Abrasion
660 DU—60 Shore D, antistatic, 40 Elastollan®/Elastoblend® Grade Loss (mm3)
UV stabilized
LP 9192 polyether based for matt 100
664 DU—60 Shore D, antistatic, 40
surfaces
UV stabilized
1085 A alternative polyether basis 70
SP 806 polyether based for 30
opaque films
Table 10.5 Abrasion Loss (Per DIN 53516 and ISO SP 883 polyester based for 40
4649) of BASF Elastollan® 600 Grades Polyether- opaque films
Polyurethane Transparent Thermoplastic 880 AN polyester based for trans- 45
Elastomers [3] parent films
Abrasion 890 AN polyester based for trans- 45
Elastollan® Grade Loss (mm3) parent films
S 50 A SPF—50 Shore A, soft 35 2180 A polyester/polyether based 45
plasticizer free for fibers/films
S 60 A SPF—60 Shore A, soft 30 SP 9213 polyether based for easy 70
plasticizer free flow
S 70 A SPF—70 Shore A, soft 30 SP 852 polyester based for easy 30
plasticizer free flow
S 60 AWH—60 Shore A, antistat- 50 1154 D KFFC polyether based for 30
ic, plasticized flexible flat cables
S 70 AWH—70 Shore A, antistat- 65
ic, plasticized
Applications and end uses include the following:
S 80 A—80 Shore A, antistatic 40 seals, belts, bushings, pump diaphragms, gears,
S 85 A—85 Shore A, antistatic 35 protective boots, hose and tubing, springs, impact-
S 90 —90 Shore A, antistatic 30 absorbing devices, sporting goods, footwear, and
wire and cable.
S 95 A—95 Shore A, antistatic 30 Various DuPont Hytrel® TPE-E or COPE are dis-
S 98 A—98 Shore A, antistatic 25 cussed in the subsequent figures and tables.
S 60 D—60 Shore D 25
General purpose:
S 64 D—64 Shore D 25
G3548L—low modulus extrusion/molding
S 74 D—74 Shore D 25 grade, with antioxidants
10: Thermoplastic Elastomers 283

Table 10.8 Tribology Properties of Covestro Texin® and Desmopan® TPU Thermoplastic Elastomers [4]

Texin® 285 Texin® 390 Desmopan®

Property Test Units Resin Resin 453 Resin
Ultimate tensile ASTM D 412 Pounds per 5000 6000 5000
strength square inch
Abrasion resistance ASTM D 3849 Taber (d) Milligram loss 15 40 50
Abrasion resistance ASTM D 1630 NBS Percent of 190 4600 1975
standard
Dynamic coefficient ASTM D 1894 0.53 0.38 0.31
of friction versus steel
Dynamic coefficient ASTM D 1894 0.61 0.55 0.40
of friction versus
aluminum
Dynamic coefficient ASTM D 1894 0.70 0.64 0.46
of friction versus
brass

Figure 10.2 Molecular structure of Ticona Riteflex® thermoplastic copolyester elastomers.

G4074—low modulus extrusion/molding

grade, with antioxidants
G4078W—low modulus extrusion/molding 6356—medium–high modulus extrusion/
grade, with antioxidants molding grade, with antioxidants
G4774—low–medium modulus extrusion/ 7246—high modulus extrusion/molding grade,
molding grade, with antioxidants with antioxidants
G4778—low–medium modulus extrusion/ 8238—highest modulus extrusion/molding
molding grade, with antioxidants grade, with antioxidants
G5544—medium modulus extrusion/molding Specialty:
grade, with antioxidants 3078—very low modulus extrusion/molding
High performance: grade, with antioxidants
4056—low modulus extrusion grade, with an- HTR4275 BK—pigmented black
tioxidants 5555HS—medium modulus extrusion grade,
4068—low modulus extrusion grade, with anti- heat stabilized with antioxidant
oxidants, hardness 40D HTR5612 BK—pigmented black
4069—low modulus extrusion grade, with an- HTR6108—medium–low modulus, with anti-
tioxidants oxidants
4556—medium–low modulus extrusion grade, HTR8068—medium–low modulus, with
with antioxidants flame-retardant compound
5526—medium modulus extrusion grade, with HTR8139 LV—medium modulus, high viscos-
antioxidants ity, black pigmented
5556—medium modulus extrusion grade, with HTR8171
antioxidants HTR8206
284 Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers

Table 10.9 Goodrich Flexometer of Various DuPont Table 10.11 Resistance to Flex Cut Growth, by
Hytrel Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers ASTM Ross Flexing Apparatus of Various DuPont Hytrel
D 636 Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers

Sample Temperature Type of Hytrel® 23°C

Type of Hytrel ®
After 20 min (°C) G3548 L >1 × 106
4056 48
G4074, G4078 W >1 × 106
5556 66
G4774, G4778 >1 × 106
2.54 mm stroke, 1.0 MPa static load, 23°C [5].
G5544 8 × 105
3078 >1 × 106
Table 10.10 Flex Fatigue of Various DuPont Hytrel®
Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers Per ASTM 4056 >1 × 106
D 671 4068 >1 × 106
Type of Hytrel® Fatigue Limit (MPa) 4556 >1 × 106
4056 5.2 5526, 5556 5 × 105
5556 6.9 6356 5 × 105
6356 6.9 7246 3 × 104
7246 11.0 HTR4275 BK 5 × 104
Samples tested to 2.5 million cycles without failure [5]. 5555HS 1 × 105
HTR5612 BK 6 × 105
10.2.1 Fatigue Data
HTR6108 6 × 105
Fatigue data for TPE-E or COPE are found in HTR8139 LV >1 × 106
Tables 10.9–10.12.
HTR8171 >1 × 106
Pierced, ASTM D 1052, cycles to five times cut growth [5].
10.2.2 Tribology Data
Tribology data for TPE-E or COPE are found in
Tables 10.13–10.15.
Table 10.12 DeMattia Flex Life (Pierced) of
Various DuPont Hytrel® Thermoplastic Copolyester
Elastomers (Per ASTM D 813) [5]
10.3 Thermoplastic Polyether
Block Amide Elastomers Cycles to Failure
Type of Hytrel® at 23°C
Polyether block amides (PEBA) are plasticizer- G3548 L 3.6 × 104
free TPEs. The soft segment is the polyether and the
hard segment is the polyamide (nylon). For example, G4074, G4078 W 3.6 × 104
Arkema Pebax® 33 series products are based on Ny- G4774, G4778 1.6 × 105
lon 12 (see Section 8.3) and polytetramethylene gly- G5544 7 × 103
col (PTMG) segments. These are easy to process by
injection molding and profile or film extrusion. Often 4056 >1 × 106
they can be easily melt-blended with other polymers, 4068 1.7 × 105
and many compounders will provide custom products
4556 3.6 × 103
by doing this. Their chemistry allows them to achieve
a wide range of physical and mechanical properties 5526, 5556 >1 × 106
by varying the monomeric block types and ratios: HTR4275 BK 5.4 × 104
HTR5612 BK 1.1 × 105
• light weight
• great flexibility (extensive range) HTR6108 5.4 × 103
10: Thermoplastic Elastomers 285

Table 10.13 Coefficient of Friction of DuPont Hytrel® Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers [5]

Hytrel® on Steel, Thrust

Type of Hytrel ®
Hytrel on Steel, Moving Sled—ASTM D 1894
®
Washer—ASTM D 3702
Static Dynamic Dynamic
4056 0.32 0.29 0.88
5526/5556 0.30 0.18 0.94
6356 0.30 0.21 0.90
7246 0.23 0.16 0.90

Table 10.14 Coefficient of Friction of DuPont Hytrel® Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers [5,6]

Taber Abrasion, CS-17 Wheel Taber Abrasion, H-18 Wheel

Type of Hytrel® (mg/1000 Revolutions) (mg/1000 Revolutions)
General purpose
G3548L 30 310
G4074 10 223
G4078W 20 260
G4774 13 168
G4778 12 162
G5544 9 116
High performance
4056 8 109
4069 15 80
4556 3 72
5526 7 70
5556 6 97
6356 15 109
7246 15 75
8238 9 20
Specialty
3078 2 90
HTR4275BK 20 227
5555HS — 112
HTR5612BK 38 186
HTR6108 9 116
HTR8068 25 —
HTR8139LV 4 65

• outstanding impact resistance properties at low

• resiliency temperature
• very good dynamic properties • easy processing
• high strength • good resistance to most chemicals
286 Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers

Table 10.15 Taber Abrasion of Various Riteflex® Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomers (H-18 Wheel, 1000 g
ASTM D1044) [7]

Riteflex Product Shore Hardness, D Scale Melting Point (°C) Weight Loss (mg/1000 Cycles)
635 35 163 121
640 40 171 90
647 47 187 67
655 55 200 65
663 63 210 62
672 72 214 30
677 77 217 30

Figure 10.3 DeMattia flexural fatigue at −20°C of Arkema Pebax® polyether block amide elastomers [8].

Manufacturers and trade names include the fol-

lowing: Arkema Pebax® and Evonik Vestamid® E.
Applications and end uses include the following:
noiseless gears and functional elements of sports
shoes, as well as for high-performance extrusion Table 10.16 Taber Abrasion of Arkema Pebax®
components such as paint spray hoses, and vacuum Polyether Block Amide Elastomers (ASTM D1044,
brake booster lines. H18 Wheel, 1 kg Load)

Pebax® Product Code mg/1000 Cycles

10.3.1 Fatigue Data 7233 29
Fatigue data for thermoplastic PEBA elastomers 7033 57
are found in Fig. 10.3. 6333 84
5533 93
10.3.2 Tribology Data 4033 94
3533 104
Tribology data for thermoplastic PEBA elasto-
mers are found in Tables 10.16 and 10.17. 2533 161
10: Thermoplastic Elastomers 287

Table 10.17 Abrasive Behavior of Evonik Industries Vestamid® E Polyether Block Amide Elastomers [9]

Test Procedure According to

Test Procedure According to DIN 53516 (mm/40 m Rubbing
Vestamid® Shore Hardness D DIN 53754 (mg/100 Revolutions) Distance)
E40-S3 40 20 105
E47-S3 47 — 63
E55-S3 55 8–9 50
E62-S3 62 9–10 47

Table 10.18 Tribological Properties of RTP Company RTP 2800-40D (40-D Durometer) Versus 1018 C Steel

Wear Factor × 10−8 Dynamic Coefficient of

PV (kPa m/s) Load (N) Speed (m/s) [mm3/(N m)] Friction
35 0.90 0.25 129 0.46
70 1.80 0.25 90 0.69
Data obtained per ASTM 3702 [11].

Table 10.19 Tribological Properties of RTP Company RTP 2800-40D TFE 20 (40-D Durometer With 20% PTFE)
Versus 1018 C Steel

Wear Factor × 10−8 Dynamic Coefficient

PV (kPa m/s) Load (N) Speed (m/s) [mm3/(N m)] of Friction
35 0.90 0.25 46 0.63
87.5 2.25 0.25 586 0.78
Data obtained per ASTM 3702 [11].

lubricants, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, UV stabi-

10.4 Olefinic Thermoplastic lizers, colorants, and processing aids. They are char-
Elastomer acterized by high impact strength, low density, and
good chemical resistance; they are used when dura-
Olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TPO) materials bility and reliability are primary concerns.
are defined as compounds (mixtures) of various Manufacturers and trade names include the fol-
polyolefin polymers, semicrystalline thermoplas- lowing: ExxonMobil Santoprene® and LyondellBa-
tics, and amorphous elastomers. Most TPOs are sell Advanced Polyolefins Dexflex®.
composed of polypropylene and a copolymer of Applications and uses include the following: roofing
ethylene and propylene called ethylene–propylene and automotive exterior parts; capping distilled water,
rubber (EPR) [10]. A common rubber of this type is dairy products, fruit juices, sports drinks, beer, wine,
called ethylene–propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and food; and cosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceutical
rubber, which has a small amount of a third mono- packaging—sterilized closures, seals, and liners.
mer, a diene (two carbon–carbon double bonds in
it). The diene monomer leaves a small amount of
unsaturation in the polymer chain that can be used 10.4.1 Tribology Data
for sulfur cross-linking. Like most TPEs, TPO
products are composed of hard and soft segments. Tribology data for TPO are found in Tables 10.18–
TPO compounds include fillers, reinforcements, 10.24.
288 Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers

Table 10.20 Tribological Properties of RTP Company RTP 2800-60A (60-A Durometer) Versus 1018 C Steel

Wear Factor × 10−8 Dynamic Coefficient

PV (kPa m/s) Load (N) Speed (m/s) [mm3/(N m)] of Friction
17.5 0.45 0.25 52 2.29
35 0.90 0.25 11398 1.63
Data obtained per ASTM 3702 [11].

Table 10.21 Tribological Properties of RTP Company RTP 2800-60A TFE 20 (60-A Durometer With 20% PTFE)
Versus 1018 C Steel

Wear Factor × 10−8 Dynamic Coefficient

PV (kPa m/s) Load (N) Speed (m/s) [mm3/(N m)] of Friction
17.5 0.45 0.25 647 2.41
35 0.90 0.25 277 2.09
Data obtained per ASTM 3702 [11].

Table 10.22 Tribological Properties of RTP Company RTP 2800-35A (35-A Durometer) Versus 1018 C Steel

Wear Factor × 10−8 Dynamic Coefficient

PV (kPa m/s) Load (N) Speed (m/s) [mm3/(N m)] of Friction
8.75 0.22 0.25 103 2.91
17.5 0.45 0.25 23777 1.51
Data obtained per ASTM 3702 [11].

Table 10.23 Tribological Properties of RTP Company RTP 2800-35A TFE 20 (35-A Durometer With 20% PTFE)
Versus 1018 C Steel

Wear Factor × 10−8 Dynamic Coefficient

PV (kPa m/s) Load (N) Speed (m/s) [mm3/(N m)] of Friction
8.75 0.22 0.25 27231 1.63
17.5 0.45 0.25 35665 1.23
Data obtained per ASTM 3702 [11].

Table 10.24 Tribological Properties of RTP Company RTP 2800-35A SI 2 (35-A Durometer With 2% Silicone)
Versus 1018 C Steel

Wear Factor × 10−8 Dynamic Coefficient

PV (kPa m/s) Load (N) Speed (m/s) [mm3/(N m)] of Friction
8.75 0.22 0.25 2,343 2.14
17.5 0.45 0.25 62,152 1.42
Data obtained per ASTM 3702 [11].
10: Thermoplastic Elastomers 289

10.5 Other Elastomers such as being insoluble in rubber solvents and re-
duced swelling in some solvents. The vulcanization
There are many other thermoplastic and thermo- offers other property improvements such as:
setting elastomers available. Fatigue and tribological
data are scarce for these but two are discussed in this • increase in tensile strength and modulus
section. • decrease in compression set
• decrease in swelling caused by oils
10.5.1 Styrenic Block Copolymer • improved retention of properties at tempera-
tures below 200°F (93°C)
Thermoplastic Elastomers
• improved fatigue resistance
Styrenic block copolymer (SBS) TPEs are multi-
phase compositions in which the phases are chemi-
cally bonded by block copolymerization (see chapter: References
Introduction to Plastics and Polymers). At least one
of the phases is a hard styrenic polymer. This styrenic [1] Drobny JG. Handbook of thermoplastic
phase may become fluid when the TPE composition is elastomers. New York: William Andrew; 2007.
heated. Another phase is a softer elastomeric material p. 215–34.
that is rubber-like at room temperature. The polysty- [2] A guide to thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU).
rene blocks act as cross-links, tying the elastomeric Huntsman Chemical; 2010.
chains together in a three-dimensional network. SBS [3] Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU)
TPEs have no commercial applications when the prod- Elastollan®—product range. BASF; 2009.
uct is just a pure polymer. They must be compounded [4] Texin and Desmopan thermoplastic polyure-
with other polymers, oils, fillers, and additives to have thane elastomers, a guide to engineering proper-
any commercial value. ties. Bayer MaterialScience; 2004.
[5] Hytrel® thermoplastic polyester elastomer, tech-
nical information. DuPont; 2012.
10.5.2 Elastomeric Alloy- [6] Hytrel® thermoplastic polyester elastomer, mod-
ule V. DuPont; 2000.
Thermoplastic Vulcanizate [7] Hytrel® thermoplastic polyester elastomer,
Vulcanized elastomeric alloys (EA) are TPEs product-information Europe. Ticona; 2009.
composed of mixtures of two or more polymers [8] Despotopoulou M, O’Brien G. The superior dy-
that have received a proprietary treatment. Elasto- namic properties of Pebax® resins. Philadelphia,
meric alloy-thermoplastic vulcanizates (EA-TPVs) PA: Arkema; 2004.
are a category of TPEs made of a rubber and plastic [9] VESTAMID® E polyamide 12 elastomers.
polymer mixture in which the rubber phase is high- Evonik Industries; 2012.
ly vulcanized. The plastic phase of an EA-TPV is a [10] Drobny JG. Handbook of thermoplastic elas-
polypropylene, and the rubber phase is an ethylene– tomers. New York: William Andrew; 2007.
propylene elastomer. p. 191–9.
The vulcanization of the rubber phase of an [11] <www.rtpcompany.com>; 2008, webpages no
EA-TPV results in various property improvements longer available.