Updated: 2025-10-22 · Category: TPU Knowledge
What is TPU Made Of?
TPU is made by reacting diisocyanates with polyols and chain extenders. The resulting polymer structure provides elasticity, strength, and resistance to oil and abrasion. Chemically, TPU sits between soft rubber and hard plastic—offering the benefits of both.
Key Features of TPU
- High Elasticity: TPU can stretch up to 600% without breaking.
- Abrasion Resistance: Much higher than PVC or rubber.
- Weather and Chemical Resistance: Performs well under extreme temperature and humidity.
- Easy Processing: Suitable for injection molding, extrusion, or blow molding.
TPU vs EVA vs PVC vs Rubber – Key Property Comparison
| Property | TPU | EVA | PVC | Rubber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticity | ★★★★★ (Excellent) | ★★★★☆ (Good) | ★★☆☆☆ (Low) | ★★★★☆ (Good) |
| Abrasion Resistance | ★★★★★ (Excellent) | ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) | ★★☆☆☆ (Low) | ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) |
| Weight / Density | ★★★☆☆ (Medium) | ★★★★★ (Very Light) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ (Heavy) |
| Weather Resistance | ★★★★★ (Excellent) | ★★★★☆ (Good) | ★★★☆☆ (Average) | ★★★★☆ (Good) |
| Processing Flexibility | ★★★★★ (Injection/Extrusion) | ★★★★☆ (Foaming) | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ (Limited) |
| Recyclability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Typical Applications | Shoe soles, cables, films | Midsoles, foam sheets | Cables, rain boots | Tires, gaskets |
Note: Ratings are relative for easy comparison. Actual data depends on grade and processing method.
TPU provides superior abrasion resistance and strength, while EVA offers lightweight cushioning. PVC and rubber remain useful for cost-sensitive or special applications.
Common Applications
- Footwear: Soles and midsoles for sports and safety shoes.
- Cables: Flexible, crack-resistant cable jackets for outdoor use.
- Films: Transparent TPU films for lamination, protective, or optical use.
- Automotive: Dashboards, interior trims, and gear knobs.
- Medical: Biocompatible TPU tubing and membranes.
Why Choose TPU?
Compared with conventional plastics like PVC or EVA, TPU offers superior strength, abrasion resistance, and flexibility. It also provides improved sustainability, as it can be remelted and reused without losing major performance.
Conclusion
TPU bridges the gap between soft rubber and hard plastic. Its balance of flexibility and toughness makes it a leading choice in footwear, cable, and automotive industries.
Related page: Chemdo TPU Resin Overview
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Post time: Oct-22-2025