Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)
Silicone rubber (VMQ = Vinyl Methyl Polysiloxane) — THE extreme-temperature elastomer. Usable from -60°C to +230°C continuous (short-term +300°C). Excellent UV/ozone/weathering resistance. Biocompatible (FDA, USP Class VI). Low compression set. Electrically insulating. Lower tensile/tear strength than organic rubbers. Used for seals/gaskets, medical tubing/implants, food-grade components, baby products, automotive ignition boots, and LED/lighting encapsulation.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer — bridges the gap between rubber and rigid plastics. Exceptional abrasion resistance, high elongation (300-700%), and good oil/grease resistance. Available in wide hardness range (60 Shore A to 74 Shore D). Ester-based: better oil resistance. Ether-based: better hydrolysis/microbial resistance. Major trade names: Elastollan (BASF), Desmopan/Texin (Covestro), Estane (Lubrizol). Used for seals, hoses, cable jackets, shoe soles, phone cases, wheels/rollers, and 3D printing filament.
| Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | ISO 527-1 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polysiloxane Base (Methyl/Vinyl) | 60–80% | — | — |
| Silica Filler (Reinforcement) | 20–40% | — | — |
| Diisocyanate (MDI/TDI) | — | 20–45% | — |
| Polyol (Polyester/Polyether) | — | 45–75% | — |
| Chain Extender (BDO/HDO) |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeMechanical properties — Pro
| Property | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 6–12 | 30–50 | MPa |
| Elongation | 200–600 | 400–700 | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 30–80 | 80–90 | Shore A |
| Density | |||
| continuous_service_temp | |||
| Elastic Modulus |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) the same as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) is a Polymers grade, while TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a Polymers grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.