Thermoplastic rubbers are one of the fastest-growing segments in the global plastics market. The growing demand for rubbers and other plastic products prompted manufacturers to develop new types of plastics and enhance their properties, to meet the customer’s needs. Read on to learn about the benefits of using thermoplastic rubber, tpr price, its uses, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, risks, and manufacturing processes.
What is Thermoplastic Rubber?
A thermoset is a type of rubber that cures by exposure to heat. This process is sometimes called vulcanization. Thermoplastic rubber is a polymer that can be molded into a variety of shapes. It is created by mixing rubber with a plasticizer. Rubber can be made into thermoplastic rubber through vulcanization. Vulcanization is a process where the rubber is heated, then blended with an oil to create a cured rubber that can be molded into a variety of shapes. During vulcanization, rubber is transformed from a liquid state to a semi-solid state. This transformation can be caused by heating the rubber to above its melting point but above its softening point. The rubber is then blended with oil to create a cured rubber that can be molded into a variety of shapes.
Thermoplastic Benefits
High Tensile Strength – Thermoplastic rubbers have high tensile strengths, which help manufacturers to design products with high load-carrying capacities and high impact resistance.
Low Weight – Thermoplastic rubber comprises high-density polyethylene and polypropylene, which are light in weight and relatively inexpensive. As a result, it helps to reduce the overall product weight by up to 30%.
Good Shrink Resistance – High tensile strength of thermoplastic rubbers enables them to withstand high temperatures and pressure. They have good shrink resistance, which means they can withstand high temperatures and pressure without losing their overall shape.
Excellent Heat Defiance – Thermoplastic rubbers have excellent heat defiance, which means they can withstand high heat and maintain their shape.
Excellent Ozone Resistance – Thermoplastic rubbers have excellent ozone resistance, which means they can withstand high ozone levels without losing their shape.
Excellent Low-UV Resistance – Thermoplastic rubbers have excellent low-UV resistance, which means they can maintain their appearance without fading or cracking.
Excellent Resistance to Chemicals – Thermoplastic rubbers can withstand high temperatures, pressure, and chemicals without losing their shape.
Recyclability-thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is its resistance to weather and chemical exposure. TPR is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, such as oils, acids, and solvents, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. It is also resistant to weathering, which means that it can withstand exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight, and moisture without deteriorating.
This property makes TPR a popular choice for outdoor applications, such as seals, gaskets, and weatherstripping. It can also be used in industrial and automotive settings, where it is exposed to chemicals and extreme weather conditions. TPR is also commonly used in medical and healthcare applications, where it must be able to withstand chemical sterilization processes without breaking down or losing its properties.
The cost-effective benefit of thermoplastic rubber is that it is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Unlike other materials like PVC, which can release harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process and disposal, thermoplastic rubber can be recycled and reused.
Thermoplastic rubber can be melted down and reused to make new products, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. This makes it a sustainable and eco-friendly option for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Additionally, because of its durability and resistance to wear and tear, products made from thermoplastic rubber have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacement and further reducing waste.
Disadvantages of Thermoplastic Rubber
High Cost – The high cost of thermoplastic rubber is attributed to the high cost of blending thermoplastic rubber and creating additives.
High Viscosity – The viscosity of thermoplastic rubbers is high, which means that they form thick lumps or pastes when mixed with other additives. This hinders the flow of other products during the manufacturing process.
Low Impact Strength – The impact strength of thermoplastic rubbers is low, which means that they cannot withstand high impact forces.
High Thermal Expansion – The thermal expansion of thermoplastic rubbers is high, which means that they lose their shape and expand once they reach high temperatures.
Low Durability – The durability of thermoplastic rubbers is low, which means that they cannot withstand repeated stretching and do not retain their original shape.
Uses of Thermoplastic Rubber
Thermoplastic rubbers have been used for making coolers, door and drawer pulls, playground equipment, car parts, conveyor belts, parking lot markers, fenders, flooring, roofing, garden furniture, bike tires, wall panels, car windows, furniture parts, sports balls, and many more. These rubber products are found to be cost-effective as they are lightweight, durable, flexible, and resistant to high temperatures. They are also UV resistant, resistant to chemicals, and highly elastic. These products are used for extruding and injection molding and can withstand high pressures and temperatures. They are also resistant to humidity, acids, alkalis, and anti-oxidants. They can withstand long durations of exposure to sunlight, have good chemical resistance, and have low shrinkage. They have excellent noise reduction characteristics and can withstand repeated impacts.
Manufacturing Processes of Thermoplastic Rubber
Extrusion – Extrusion is the process by which thermoplastic rubbers are manufactured. It involves heating thermoplastic rubber and adding additives, such as polyethylene, to create a film. – Blending – After extrusion, the rubber is blended with additives to change its properties. Different additives are added depending on the required properties of the product. – Cooling – After blending, the rubber is cooled and solidified. – Molding – The rubber is then molded into desired shapes, such as door pulls, car parts, and fenders. – De-molding – The final product is removed from the mold. – Annealing – If the product is annealed, the final process is performed to improve its properties.
Conclusion
Mechanical rubber goods is a good that can be molded into a variety of shapes. These products are created by blending thermoplastic rubber with a plasticizer. Thermoplastic rubbers have high tensile strengths, high impact strength, good shrink resistance, and excellent UV resistance. Thermosets have high impact strength, good shrink resistance, and excellent ozone resistance.