TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a lightweight, flexible, and fatigue resistant sheet which is a combination of rubber and polypropylene. It provides more flexibility than polypropylene or copolymer, but more rigidity than LDPE. Because of its rubber content, TPE is more heat resistant requiring heating to a higher temperature than polypropylene for thermoforming.
TPE is commonly used in the O&P market for AFOs, spinal orthoses, scoliosis jackets, and body jackets. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information.
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For a glossary of terms, see our Plastic Properties Descriptions.
TYPICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Tensile Strength |
psi |
D638 |
1,740 |
| Flexural Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D790 |
- |
| Izod Impact (notched) |
ft-lbs/in of notch |
D256 |
- |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (66psi / 264psi) |
°F |
D648 |
- |
Water Absorption
(Immersion 24 hours) |
% |
D570 |
- |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Specific Gravity |
- |
D792 |
0.95 |
Water Absorption
(Immersion 24 hours) |
% |
D570 |
- |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Tensile Strength |
psi |
D638 |
1,740 |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D638 |
- |
| Tensile Elongation |
% |
D638 |
31 |
| Flexural Strength |
psi |
D790 |
- |
| Flexural Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D790 |
- |
| Compressive Strength |
psi |
D695 |
- |
| Hardness |
scale as noted |
D785, D2240 |
- |
| Izod Impact |
ft-lbs/in |
D256 |
- |
THERMAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion |
in/in/°F x 10-5 |
D696 |
- |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (66psi / 264psi) |
°F |
D648 |
- |
| Max Continuous Service Temperature In Air |
°F |
- |
- |
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Dielectric Strength |
V/mil |
D149 |
889 |
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Light Transmittance |
% |
D1003 |
- |
| Haze |
% |
D1003 |
- |
OTHER
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Coefficient of Friction |
- |
Dynamic |
- |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
Still Not Sure if You Need TPE? Research TPE or Ask a Plastics Expert.