Application of TPE vs PVC in Automotive cable

Application of TPE vs PVC in Automotive Cable (High Temperature Resistance.Oil Resistance)

With the development of the automotive industry, the requirements for cable materials are getting higher and higher, especially in terms of high temperature resistance, oil resistance, flexibility, environmental protection, etc., and the choice of materials is crucial. TPE and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) are the two most commonly used materials for automotive cables, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages in performance.

1. Basic Introduction of TPE and PVC

1.1 What is TPE?

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) is a material that combines the properties of thermoplastics and elastomers.

Main features:

High flexibility: more rubber elastic than PVC, close to the touch of natural rubber.

Recyclable: TPE can be reprocessed and recycled like plastic, in line with the trend of environmental protection (Eco Friendly).

High temperature resistance: Some TPE material can maintain stable performance at higher temperatures.

Halogen-free: Compared with PVC, TPE does not contain chlorine (Vinyl Chloride) and does not release toxic gases when burned.

1.2 What is PVC?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a synthetic rubber (Synthetic Rubber) type plastic material widely used in wires and cables.

With the Following characteristics:

Cost Effective: Compared with TPE, PVC has a lower production cost, so it is widely used in the market.

Long Durability: PVC cables can maintain a longer service life under certain conditions.

Excellent processing performance: PVC can adjust its performance through additives, such as adding plasticizers to improve flexibility.

Good fire resistance: After adding flame retardants, PVC materials have stronger fire resistance than ordinary TPE.

2. Core Requirements for Materials of Automotive Cable

Automotive cables need to withstand various extreme environments, so the requirements for materials are very strict, mainly including:

High Temperatures: Cables near the engine compartment and battery pack must be able to withstand high temperature environments above 100°C.

Oil & Chemical Resistance: The cable must be resistant to corrosion by automotive fluids such as fuel, oil, and lubricants.

Mechanical Durability: The cable must have good flexibility and be able to withstand repeated bending, vibration, and extrusion.

Eco Friendliness & Compliance: Comply with environmental regulations such as RoHS, REACH, and ELV to reduce harmful substances.

Cost Effective: While ensuring durability, reduce production costs and improve economy.

3. Performance Comparison of TPE vs PVC in Automotive Cable

3.1 High Temperature Resistance

TPE: High-end TPE grades (such as TPV and TPO) can withstand -40°C to 150°C and remain elastic at extreme temperatures.

PVC: Ordinary PVC can withstand up to 70-105°C. It may soften, deform, and even release harmful gases at high temperatures.

Conclusion: TPE is more suitable for use in engine compartments and high-temperature areas.

3.2 Oil Resistance & Chemical Corrosion Resistance

TPE: It has good tolerance to engine oil, fuel, lubricants, brake fluid, etc., and can remain stable for a long time.

PVC: Ordinary PVC has poor tolerance to oils, and long-term contact with oil may cause surface aging and embrittlement.

Conclusion: TPE has obvious advantages in areas where oil resistance is required (such as near fuel pipelines).

3.3 Mechanical Flexibility & Bending Resistance

TPE: It has stronger flexibility and excellent bending fatigue resistance, and is suitable for cables with high-frequency bending, such as door, seat, and electric tailgate wiring harnesses.

PVC: It is harder and is prone to breakage or insulation damage in a repeated bending environment.

Conclusion: TPE is more suitable for dynamic cables (such as door, tailgate, seat control wiring harnesses), and PVC is suitable for fixed wiring.

3.4 Environmental Protection & Regulatory Compliance

TPE: Complies with environmental regulations such as RoHS, REACH, and ELV, does not contain harmful phthalates, and does not release chlorine when burned.

PVC: Contains chlorine (Vinyl Chloride), which may release toxic gases when burned. Some plasticizers contain harmful substances and may be restricted by regulations.

New energy vehicles and high-end environmentally friendly car companies prefer to use TPE to comply with environmental regulations.

3.5 Cost Comparison

TPE: The price of raw materials is relatively high, usually between $2000-$3000 per ton, but it can be recycled to reduce long-term costs.

PVC: The price of raw materials is relatively low, about $1000-$1500 per ton, but the durability and environmental protection are poor, and it may face more regulatory restrictions in the future.

Conclusion: In the short term, PVC has a cost advantage, but in the long term, TPE may be a more economical and sustainable choice.

4.Typical Applications of TPE and PVC in Automotive Cable

5.The Main Difference Between TPE and PVC in Automotive Cable

If you are concerned about cost and are not demanding on environmental protection, PVC is still the mainstream choice in the market.

In the future, TPE is expected to gradually replace PVC under the trend of environmental protection, especially in the fields of medical, automotive, charging pile cables, etc.