This article explres the applications, characteristics, and differences of TPE, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and PVC in wire and cable sheathing.
TPE combines the characteristics of rubber and plastic, offering high elasticity, strength, and resilience. It is free from plasticizers, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic, making it suitable for automotive, medical, electronics, and sporting goods. For wire and cable sheathing, TPE is popular due to its excellent chemical and oil resistance, flexibility, and wear resistance.
PU is a polymer formed by the reaction of polyisocyanate and polyol. It is known for its wear resistance, oil resistance, and resistance to aging, and is commonly used in automotive, construction, furniture, and footwear applications. In wire and cable sheathing, PU is valued for its high mechanical strength and weather resistance.
TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer created through alternating block copolymerization of hard and soft segments. It exhibits excellent wear resistance, oil resistance, and low-temperature performance. TPU is widely used in shoe materials, medical devices, automotive parts, and electronics. Its high elasticity and durability make it ideal for wire and cable sheathing.
PVC is a common plastic known for its excellent electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. It is widely used in construction, packaging, medical, and electronic applications. In wire and cable sheathing, PVC is preferred for its low cost and good processing performance.
PU vs TPU:
Although both PU and TPU are types of polyurethane, they have significant differences in their chemical structure and performance:
Chemical Structure: PU contains active isocyanate groups (-NCO), while TPU is formed by alternating hard and soft segments.
Performance: TPU has better wear resistance, oil resistance, and low-temperature performance, while PU excels in adhesion and flexibility.
TPE and TPU are both thermoplastic elastomers, but they have some differences in composition and performance.
Composition: TPE is mainly blended by SEBS/SBS+PP+naphthenic oil+calcium carbonate+additives, while TPU is polymerized by the reaction of diisocyanate molecules, polyols and chain extenders.
Performance: TPU has better wear resistance and oil resistance than TPE, while TPE performs better in touch and flexibility.
TPE and PVC differ in chemical composition, performance, and environmental impact:
Chemical Resistance: TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer without plasticizers, while PVC contains chlorine and often requires plasticizers.
Performance: TPE has better low-temperature resistance and flexibility, whereas PVC offers superior chemical resistance and mechanical strength.
Environmental Impact: TPE is eco-friendly and non-toxic, while PVC may release harmful substances during production and use.
TPU and PVC have distinct differences in transparency, hardness, wear resistance, and environmental friendliness:
Transparency: TPU is more transparent than PVC.
Hardness: TPU has a broader hardness range, from soft to hard, while PVC has a narrower range.
Wear Resistance: TPU outperforms PVC in terms of wear, oil, and low-temperature resistance.
Environmental Impact: TPU is environmentally safe and free from plasticizers, while PVC poses environmental challenges.
TPU is widely used in electric vehicle charging cables due to its:
·Wear and Oil Resistance: Withstands long-term mechanical wear and exposure to oil.
·Low-Temperature Flexibility: Remains flexible in cold environments, ideal for use in colder regions.
·Environmental Friendliness: Halogen-free, low-smoke, and non-toxic when burning.
·High Mechanical Strength: Endures stretching, bending, and twisting during use.
TPU is crucial for charging pile cables, offering:
1Fire Retardant Properties: Ensures safety during the charging process.
1Weather and Water Resistance: Safe for use in humid environments.
·Long Service Life: Durability reduces replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
·Recyclability: Can be reused, promoting circular economy practices.
TPU is favored for medical cables due to its:
·Biocompatibility: Meets ISO 10993 standards, suitable for ECG cables, oxygen sensors, and electrode wires.
·Softness and Elasticity: Provides comfort and ease of use.
·Chemical Resistance: Resists disinfectants and cleaning agents, ensuring long-term use.
·Abrasion and Tear Resistance: Performs well in frequently used medical devices.
TPU is extensively used in consumer electronic cables, including:
·Flexibility: Suitable for wires that require frequent bending, like headphone wires and charger cables.
·Wear and Oil Resistance: Extends the life of electronic products.
·Environmental Compliance: Meets environmental protection requirements.
·Mechanical Strength: Handles stretching and bending during use.
TPE wire jacket material has good chemical resistance and oil resistance, as well as excellent flexibility and wear resistance. TPE wire sheath is widely used in automotive, electronics and medical fields. Its environmentally friendly and non-toxic characteristics give it advantages in applications that require high safety and environmental protection requirements.
TPE, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane and PVC each have their own advantages in the application of wire and cable sheaths. TPE and TPU excel in environmental protection and flexibility, and are suitable for applications that require high elasticity and wear resistance; polyurethane is outstanding in adhesion and flexibility; PVC still occupies an important position in many applications due to its low cost and good processing performance. Selecting the right material based on specific application requirements can significantly improve the performance and service life of wires and cables.
