What are the differences between TPU film and TPE film

TPU Film (Thermoplastic Polyurethanes) vs. TPE Film (Thermoplastic Elastomer Film)
As two distinct polymer materials, TPU and TPE films exhibit significant differences across multiple aspects. Below is a detailed comparison of their characteristics:

1. Material Structure and Properties

TPU Material

• Structure: TPU is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer formed by extrusion and mixing of MDI (containing NCO functional groups) with POLYOL and 1.4-BG (containing OH functional groups).
• Properties: Excellent elasticity, superior physical properties, high mechanical strength (e.g., high tension, tensile strength, toughness, and aging resistance).

TPE Material

• Structure: TPE is a multi-phase alloy material created by blending multiple components.
• Properties: Good rubber-like elasticity, but compared to TPU, it typically has a medium-to-low hardness range and may underperform in properties such as wear resistance and oil resistance.

2. Physical Characteristics

Compressive Strength

• TPU: Strength range: 35A–90A.
• TPE: Wider strength range: 0A–95A, allowing TPE to provide softer or firmer materials for diverse user needs.

Hardness

• TPU: Hardness range: Shore 60A–70D; soft TPU variants (~45A) exist but are costly.
• TPE: SEBS-modified TPE offers adjustable hardness (Shore A 0–100).

Tactile Feel

• TPU: High friction feel with good gloss.
• TPE: Smooth, soft texture with a comfortable surface.

Wear Resistance

• TPU: Exceptional wear resistance, ranking highest among thermoplastic elastomers.
• TPE: Relatively poor wear resistance but improvable via formulation adjustments.

Rebound Resilience

• TPU: Superior rebound properties.
• TPE: Rebound deteriorates with increasing hardness.

Fracture Toughness

• TPU: Higher load-bearing capacity and tensile strength, widely used in heavy industries.
• TPE: Lower fracture toughness.

3. Production and Applications

Manufacturing

• TPU: Complex production process, prone to surface blistering, and lower efficiency.
• TPE: Simple production with high workability.

Operating Temperature

• TPU: Stable thermal performance: -30°C to 120°C (some sources cite -60°C to 80°C).
• TPE: Typical range: -40°C to 90°C (some sources cite -60°C to 105°C).

Applications

• TPU: Footwear, apparel, inflatable toys, water sports equipment, medical devices, gym equipment, automotive seat materials.
• TPE: Household items (anti-slip mats, toothbrush grips, showerheads), cable sheathing, electronic cushioning, automotive interiors, toys, medical tools, and sports gear.

4. Other Properties

Density and Transparency

• TPU: Density: 1.0–1.4; good transparency and low adhesion.
• TPE: Density: 0.89–1.3; lower transparency.

Combustion Behavior

• TPU: Burns with a slight crackling sound and irritating odor.
• TPE: Burns with a distinctive aromatic/petroleum smell (from PP components); flame tip yellow, base blue (soft TPE may show yellow base).

Oil Resistance

• TPU: Strong oil resistance.
• TPE: Poor oil resistance; achieving oil resistance is challenging.

Shrinkage Rate

• TPU: 0.8%–1.8%.
• TPE: 1.2%–3%.

Conclusion

TPU and TPE films differ significantly in material structure, physical properties, production, and applications. These distinctions grant each material unique advantages in specific fields. Selection should prioritize application requirements and performance needs.