Thermoplastic Polyurethane TPU and Polyvinyl Chloride PVC are two common materials in modern industry, each with unique properties and a wide range of applications. This article will explore the waterproof performance and physical properties of TPU materials in depth, and compare the differences between TPU and PVC in terms of performance, environmental protection, use and cost.
TPU materials have excellent waterproof properties, thanks to their compact molecular structure and good water resistance. TPU is a copolymer composed of alternating hard segments (polyurethane) and soft segments (polyether or polyester)，Can be injection molding or extruded.
The soft segments provide the material with elasticity and flexibility, while the hard segments enhance the material's strength and durability. This structure makes it difficult for water molecules to penetrate through the material, resulting in excellent waterproof properties.
In the field of outdoor equipment and textiles, TPU materials are often used to make waterproof clothing, tents, backpacks, sports shoes and other products. For example, TPU film is laminated on fabrics to create lightweight, soft and highly breathable waterproof fabrics. These fabrics not only prevent moisture penetration, but are also breathable, ensuring the comfort of the wearer.
In addition, TPU materials are also widely used in protective covers for electronic products and waterproof mobile phone cases because of their waterproofed and flexibility.
The waterproof performance of TPU materials is also reflected in their ability to resist high and low temperatures and chemical corrosion. The melting point of TPU is between 170°C and 230°C, which has good temperature tolerance and is not easy to deform or fail at extreme temperatures.
In addition, TPU has strong resistance to many chemicals (such as oils, greases, solvents, and acid and alkali liquids), which allows it to maintain its waterproof performance in harsh environments.
The melting high temperature of TPU material is between 200°C and 240°C, which means that it can maintain stable performance over a wide temperature range and will not undergo obvious physical or chemical changes due to changes in ambient temperature.
TPU also has good UV resistance. When exposed to sunlight for a long time, it can effectively resist the erosion of ultraviolet rays and reduce aging and fading.
TPU material is known for its excellent flexibility and elasticity. Its hardness range is usually between 70A and 95A. For example, the common TPU 95A material can be customized by adjusting its formula and molecular structure to meet various different usage requirements.
TPU can still maintain elasticity under low temperature conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for applications in cold environments.
TPU performs particularly well in applications that require frequent bending, stretching or impact, such as soles, shock absorbers, hoses and cable sheaths.
The wear resistance and impact resistance of TPU materials are also one of its remarkable features. The surface of TPU material has high hardness and low friction coefficient, so it has excellent wear resistance and can resist scratches, wear and tear for a long time.
In addition, the high impact resistance of TPU makes it not easily cracked or deformed when it is impacted by external forces, which is suitable for parts that need to maintain structural integrity for a long time, such as protective shells, cushions and protective equipment.
The density of TPU materials is usually between 1.10 and 1.25 g/cm³, which is light but still maintains high strength and rigidity. The hardness of TPU materials is usually measured by Shore A and Shore D hardness, which can be adjusted according to the application needs. TPU has a wide range of hardness, ranging from very soft 75A to very hard 95D, suitable for different industrial and consumer uses.
TPU has good chemical stability and shows strong resistance to many common chemicals, such as oils, greases, solvents and alkaline substances. This chemical stability enables TPU materials to maintain their physical properties for a long time in some special environments (such as chemical plants, medical equipment, food packaging, etc.) without degradation or damage due to chemical corrosion.
One of the biggest differences between TPU and PVC is flexibility and hardness. TPU is very suitable for applications that require repeated bending or stretching due to its excellent flexibility, especially its softness and elasticity at low temperatures. In contrast, PVC has poor flexibility and is more likely to become brittle, especially in low-temperature environments. In addition, the hardness of TPU can be adjusted over a wide range by changing the formula, while the hardness adjustment range of PVC is relatively limited.
With the improvement of environmental awareness, TPU materials are favored for their environmental protection characteristics. TPU does not contain plasticizers and heavy metals, does not release harmful gases, complies with the EU's REACH and ROHS regulations, and is an environmentally friendly material. Relatively speaking, PVC production process produces harmful substances such as chlorine and dioxins, which pose a potential threat to the environment and human health.
In addition, PVC usually needs to add plasticizers to increase flexibility, and plasticizers may release harmful substances during use. TPU materials can be partially degraded under natural conditions, while PVC requires longer time and special processing.
TPU materials have better anti-aging performance and durability. TPU can still maintain its physical properties and stable appearance under long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays, and is not prone to brittleness or discoloration. PVC materials are more likely to age, turn yellow, and become brittle under long-term ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, TPU materials are usually a better choice in applications that require long-term outdoor use.
TPU materials have better chemical resistance and wear resistance than PVC. TPU can resist corrosion from a variety of chemicals, such as grease, acid and alkali liquids and solvents, while PVC is prone to degradation in certain chemical environments.
In addition, TPU materials have excellent wear resistance and are not easy to scratch or damage, making them very suitable for high-friction environments such as conveyor belts, sports shoe soles, tires, etc.
PVC materials are generally lower in cost than TPU, so PVC is still an economical choice in cost-sensitive applications such as building materials, pipes, window frames, floors, etc. However, with the improvement of material performance requirements and the enhancement of environmental awareness, the market demand for TPU materials continues to grow, and its high performance and environmental protection characteristics have gradually replaced PVC in some high-end applications.
TPU materials are widely used in the field of medical devices due to their biocompatibility, softness and antibacterial properties. For example, TPU is used to manufacture products such as catheters, drainage tubes, blood bags and surgical instruments.
Compared with PVC, TPU material does not contain phthalate plasticizers, making it safer and more reliable to use. In addition, the transparency and chemical inertness of TPU materials make it less irritating to human tissue when used inside and outside the body, reducing the risk of infection.
The flexibility and durability of TPU materials make it an ideal material for protective cases of electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets. TPU protective cases are not only non-slip and wear-resistant, but also effectively absorb impact and prevent the device from being damaged when it falls.
At the same time, the transparency of TPU materials also enables it to produce clear and transparent protective cases, which meets the aesthetic needs of consumers.
The choice of TPU or PVC depends on the specific application requirements and budget. If the application scenario requires the material to have high flexibility, durability, environmental protection and anti-aging properties, such as medical devices, electronic product protective cases, sports equipment, etc., then TPU is a better choice. If there are strict requirements on cost and the use environment is relatively stable, PVC can be selected, such as building materials, industrial pipes, etc.
TPU and PVC each have their own unique status and application fields in modern materials science. With its excellent waterproofs, flexibility, durability and environmental protection, TPU is replacing PVC in more and more high-end applications.
With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the continuous changes in market demand, TPU materials will have broader application prospects and development space. In the future material selection, TPU and PVC will continue to play an important role in their respective fields of expertise.
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