TPE Advantages:
TPE can be processed using common thermoplastic molding machines, such as injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, compression molding, and transfer molding.
It can also be vulcanized with a rubber injection molding machine, reducing the time from around 20 minutes to under 1 minute.
TPE allows for fast vulcanization during extrusion molding, with high extrusion speeds and short vulcanization times.
Waste generated during the production process, such as flash or extruded scrap, can be directly reused.
Used TPE products can be easily recycled and reused, reducing environmental pollution and expanding sources for recycled materials.
TPE does not require vulcanization, which saves energy. For example, in the production of high-pressure hoses, the energy consumption for rubber is 188 MJ/kg, while for TPE, it is 144 MJ/kg, resulting in more than 25% energy savings.
TPE has high self-reinforcement, which simplifies formulations, reducing the impact of additives on polymers and making quality control easier.
TPE opens up new possibilities for the rubber industry, expanding the application fields of rubber products.
TPE Disadvantages: TPE has lower heat resistance compared to rubber, as its properties decline significantly with increasing temperature, limiting its range of applications. In addition, TPE's compression deformation, rebound, and durability are generally inferior to those of rubber, and it is often more expensive than similar rubber materials. However, TPE's advantages are significant, and its disadvantages are continually being improved, making it a promising, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly material.
PP Advantages:
PP has a low density of 0.89-0.91, making it one of the lightest plastics available.
PP exhibits excellent mechanical properties. Aside from impact resistance, its other mechanical properties surpass those of polyethylene, and it has excellent molding and processing characteristics.
PP has a high resistance to heat, with a continuous usage temperature of up to 110-120°C.
PP shows excellent chemical resistance, as it is nearly non-absorbent and does not react with most chemicals.
PP is pure and non-toxic.
PP products have better transparency compared to those made from high-density polyethylene.
PP Disadvantages:
PP products have poor cold resistance and low impact strength at low temperatures.
PP tends to age under exposure to light, heat, and oxygen during use.
PP has poor coloring properties.
PP is highly flammable.
PP has poor toughness, high static properties, and limited dyeing, printing, and adhesion capabilities.
Both TPE and PP have distinct advantages and disadvantages. TPE excels in processing efficiency and environmental friendliness, while PP is lightweight and highly heat-resistant.
