Compare TPE vs. EPDM for Sealing and Insulation

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Compare TPE vs. EPDM for Sealing and Insulation
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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. Theyre 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
180642014 establishes six classes of Santoprene
TPEs based on their main ingredients.
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• ISO 180642014 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 (160C 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 wont
  withstand petroleum products and doesnt offer
  flex-fatigue resistance. Apart from Industrial
  seals, TPVs can be used for HVAC, automotive
  appliance, building and construction industries.

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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. Well 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.