TPE TPU PVC TPV What is the difference

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) are common plastic materials with significant differences in properties and applications. Below is a detailed comparison of these four materials:

I. Basic Properties

TPE

• A collective term for composite thermoplastic elastomers, including TPR, TPU, TPV, and others.
• Exhibits rubber-like elasticity at room temperature and can be molded at high temperatures.
• Stable properties with excellent temperature resistance (-50°C to 100°C), aging resistance, chemical resistance, and solvent resistance.

TPU

• A thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with linear molecular chains and partial physical cross-linking.
• An (AB)-type block copolymer: soft segments (A) and hard segments (B).
• Wide hardness range (Shore A 60 to Shore D 80) and high elasticity.
• Good high/low-temperature resistance (-40°C to 120°C) while maintaining flexibility.

PVC

• A thermoplastic resin formed by polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers with initiators.
• Amorphous structure, white powder, relative density ~1.4, glass transition temperature 77–90°C.
• Begins decomposing at ~170°C; poor light/heat stability requires stabilizers.

TPV

• A thermoplastic vulcanizate combining a thermoplastic resin matrix with vulcanized rubber.
• High heat resistance (>140°C; some variants withstand higher temperatures).
• Excellent elastic recovery, rapidly regaining shape after deformation.

II. Processing Performance

TPE

• Processable via standard thermoplastic equipment (e.g., injection molding, extrusion).
• High efficiency; vulcanization time is reduced significantly.
• Energy-saving; most TPEs require little or no vulcanization.

TPU

• Processed similarly to TPE (injection molding, extrusion).
• Requires strict temperature/time control during processing.

PVC

• Processed via injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, etc.
• Requires stabilizers to improve light/heat stability.

TPV

• Processed via traditional methods (injection molding, extrusion, blow molding).
• Superior process stability compared to other rubbers, with minimal deformation or bubbles.

III. Applications

TPE

• Automotive (interior parts, floor mats, exterior trims, seals), household goods, toys.
• Replaces thermoset rubber and PVC.

TPU

• Consumer goods, sports equipment, toys, decorative materials.
• Used in footwear and oil/gas hoses due to elasticity and abrasion resistance.

PVC

• Construction materials, industrial products, flooring, synthetic leather, pipes.
• Requires stabilizers to extend lifespan due to poor light/heat stability.

TPV

• Automotive seals, suspension pads, electronic/medical devices, and construction.
• Valued for heat resistance, cut resistance, and weather resistance.

IV. Other Characteristics

TPE

• Soft, smooth texture; adjustable hardness.
• Eco-friendly, non-toxic, odorless.

TPU

• Transparent/semi-transparent; high-quality grades offer clarity.
• Burns with an ethanol-like odor, forming black viscous liquid.

PVC

• Hard, poor solubility (dissolves only in select solvents).
• Carbonizes when burned; emits toxic gases.

TPV

• Resists acids, alkalis, and solvents like paint thinner.
• Excellent weather resistance and aging performance.