Thermoplastic polyurethane TPU is a type of thermoplastic elastomer TPE. Unlike traditional materials that require heat and cannot revert, this material is a thermoplastic. You can melt and reshape it many times. This feature not only improves its recyclability, but also makes it easier to process during the manufacturing process.
TPU has many advantages over other materials.
The following are the most significant characteristics of TPU:
It has good elasticity and can stretch and return to its original shape without permanent deformation，melt processable. Therefore, it is often used in gaskets, seals, cable sheaths, etc.
It has excellent high wear resistance and is not easy to rot in frequent friction or wear. This makes it a common material for products such as soles and conveyor belts.
It resists grease, solvents, and many other chemicals. Suitable for use in places with harsh substances. Often used in automotive cables, fuel pipes, chemical processing equipment cables, medical equipment cables, medical catheters, etc.
Its hardness usually ranges from Shore 60A to Shore 70D. By changing the mix of its components, it can be used in more areas.
It can still maintain its many properties in a wide temperature range of -40℃ to 120℃.
Manufacturers can create transparent materials from thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, which designers highly favor in applications where aesthetics and visibility are important. Many consumer products, like mobile phone cases, use it to balance protection and design.
Thermoplastic polyurethane represents a type of plastic that people can melt and reshape many times. This property allows for repeated recycling. You can also use it to create eco-friendly products.
Medical-grade TPU materials have excellent biocompatibility and are suitable for use in the medical and health fields. They do not cause biological reactions when in contact with human tissue.
| Characteristics and application fields of TPU materials | |
| Features | Application areas |
| Excellent elasticity and flexibility | Gaskets, seals and cable sheaths |
| Easy to extrude and flexibility | 3D printing |
| Excellent wear resistance | Shoe soles, conveyor belts |
| Chemical resistance | Automotive cables, fuel pipes |
| Solvent resistance | Chemical processing equipment cables, medical equipment cables, medical catheters" |
| Wide hardness range | All fields |
| Excellent thermal stability | All fields |
| Transparency and aesthetics | Mobile phone cases |
| Environmentally friendly | All fields |
| Biocompatibility | Medical and health fields |
Many industries widely use TPU because of its excellent properties.
The following are its most notable application areas:
TPU materials with flame retardant properties, corrosion resistance, and hardness range of Shore 60A~Shore 90A are often used to produce high-voltage wires, charging pile cables, mobile phone data cables, and optical cables in new energy vehicles.
Manufacturers commonly use thermoplastic polyurethane materials in cars. They help make many parts like dashboards, interior pieces, airbag covers, and wire insulation. People also use them for seals and gaskets. It has durability, flexibility, chemical resistance and wear resistance.
Manufacturers widely use it in the footwear industry, especially for producing soles, uppers, and midsoles. Its wear resistance, flexibility and durability make it a preferred material for sports shoes, protective shoes and casual shoes.
The consumer electronics industry takes advantage of its protective properties and aesthetics. Manufacturers often use it to make mobile phone cases, tablet cases, and protective films. Its transparency and flexibility make it ideal for wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. These devices need to be comfortable and functional.
Thermoplastic polyurethane is biocompatible and easy to sterilize. This makes it popular in the medical field. Medical catheters and tpu tube often use it.
You can use TPU film for wound dressing materials to provide a barrier to the wound while maintaining breathability. In addition, manufacturers use certain grades of materials for implantable devices such as pacemakers and orthopedic implants.
People often use it in the field of 3D printing because of its easy extrusion and flexibility. Make flexible prototypes such as footwear, consumer products and industrial parts. You can also use it to make flexible joints, gaskets, and connectors.
The textile industry increasingly uses thermoplastic PU. You can use it to produce waterproof and breathable fabrics, suitable for outdoor and sportswear. Manufacturers often use its excellent ductility and recovery in the production of sportswear and underwear.
Many industries are seeking materials that are good for the environment and perform well. This means there are many opportunities for future growth.
The Following Are Several Trends In Its Future Development.
With the world's focus on sustainable development, manufacturers are creating eco-friendly products. This includes materials made from bio-based or recycled resources. An example is the TPU bio-based cable sheath material made by Angreen Advanced Materials. Aims to reduce the carbon footprint of TPU production and promote the use of renewable resources.
The rise of 3D printing has opened new avenues for the application of TPU materials.
The biocompatibility and sterilizability of TPU make it an ideal material for advanced medical applications. For example, Angreen Advanced Materials created a medical-grade antibacterial TPU.
This material has great anti-hemolysis and bacterial resistance. Manufacturers often use it in cables for medical equipment. Future innovations may use TPU in smart medical devices, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. Its unique properties can offer important benefits.
TPU material is a versatile and high-performance polymer with an increasing number of applications and industries. Its great flexibility, durability, wear resistance, and chemical stability make it a top choice for many industries. This includes cable manufacturers, medical products, and consumer goods.
TPU materials are shaping a new future in many areas. These include wire and cable, automotive, footwear, consumer electronics, medical devices, and 3D printing.
