Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer (TPU)

TPUs are thermoplastic elastomers based on urethane. The chain of thermoplastic polyurethane consists of soft segments resulting from the reaction of polyol with diisocyanate and hard segments, which result from the reaction of diisocyanate and short-chain diol. Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer is characterized by its high wear and abrasion resistance, its tensile strength, its excellent resistance to tear propagation and its high resistance to oil, greases, oxygen and ozone. Furthermore TPUs have a good flexibility at low temperatures and excellent damping characteristics.

Depending on which polyol is used we differentiate between polyester and polyether based TPUs. Polyester TPUs have an excellent heat resistance, very good mechanical properties and a high resistance to mineral oils. Polyether TPUs, however, are characterized by a very high hydrolysis resistance and low-temperatures flexibility as well as resistance to microbiological degradation.