Santoprene™ Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber offer insulation and sealing for outdoor use. They can be made into custom-designed shapes or made from extrusions or sheets from sponges or solid materials. TPE and EPDM have several similar properties, including resistance to saltwater, freshwater and weather conditions, and ozone and sunlight (UV). They also possess excellent processing properties, and they support using adhesives. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) are used with EP. Hot melt adhesives, such as 3M hot melt tape, are utilized together with TPEs.
Increasingly, santoprene thermoplastic elastomers have replaced EPDM rubber to create hard-to-create forms subject to certain temperatures and conditions for application. By comparing TPE vs. EPDM in terms of material properties, product designers and engineers can make the right choice. Based on the purpose and the requirements, materials that conform to specific specifications may be required. Recyclability and ease of processing are also factors to be considered. Additionally, it is beneficial to work with an experienced supplier for the rubber manufacturer and the plastic manufacturing services to provide professional advice on the best type of TPE you should consider.
TPE vs. EPDM: Properties and Comparisons
TPEs are mixtures of rubber and plastic that possesses thermoplastic and elastomeric characteristics. They’re also known as thermoplastic rubber (TPR) instead. Like a thermoplastic, TPRs softens when heated but harden when cooled. As an elastomer, they expand under pressure, return to their original form as the stress is released. Because there are different classes of santoprene thermoplastic rubbers, choosing a TPE or TPR also means selecting a specific type.
ISO 18064:2014 establishes six classes of Santoprene TPEs based on their main ingredients.
- Styrenic block copolymers, TPS (TPE-s)
- Thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, TPO (TPE-o)
- Santoprene Thermoplastic Vulcanizates, TPV (TPE-v or TPV)
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes, TPU (TPU)
- Thermoplastic copolyester, TPC (TPE-E)
- Thermoplastic polyamides, TPA (TPE-A)
- Not classified thermoplastic elastomers, TPZ
TPEs are available in grades that can meet FDA, NSF, RoHS, UL 94, and other standards in the industry and regulations. EPDM is also available in grades that satisfy standards and requirements, but EPDM rubber generally lacks the robust options of santoprene thermoplastic elastomers. Additionally, EPDM can be vulcanized only once and is more labor-intensive to process. In contrast, TPEs can be reused back into production.
TPEs offer a wide range of color-matching choices. EPDM rubber is not available in as many colors. However, it has higher durability against abrasion resistance. EPDM also has higher heat resistance than thermoplastic rubber (160°C vs. 100° C). Compared to EPDM, TPEs have higher flexibility in design and less manufacturing costs for difficult-to-create shapes. TPEs also come in a broad range of options for hardness (durometer) with good compression sets.
Read More: A Comparison between two Synthetic Rubber: Santoprene TPV and Neoprene
Santoprene Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV), a type of TPE, is particularly notable due to its exceptional low-temperature properties and resistance to flex-fatigue and oil. EPDM rubber can resist colder outdoor temperatures but won’t withstand petroleum products and doesn’t offer flex-fatigue resistance. Apart from Industrial seals, TPVs can be used for HVAC, automotive appliance, building and construction industries.
In the automotive industry, applications include hose coatings, gaskets, window gaskets, vibration absorbents, and components of firing mechanisms. With architecture and construction, these materials are used for ceiling and floor decoration and window glazing profiles. Other applications include office equipment and elastomeric commodities in the medical and food sectors.
TPE vs. EPDM: Make the Right Choice
Are you looking to compare TPE vs. EPDM for your next project? SantopSeal Corporation can assist you in selecting the right material and the best kind of thermoplastic rubber to use. We’ll provide sheets and extrusions you require, and we can cut or mold the products for you. We can provide custom compounding service as well. Click here to request a quote, or contact us to learn more about the advantages of TPEs like TPV.