TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)
Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer — crosslinked EPDM rubber particles dispersed in a PP matrix. Combines the elastic recovery of vulcanized rubber with the processability of thermoplastics (injection moldable, extrudable, recyclable). Shore hardness range 40A to 50D. Compression set resistance far superior to TPE-S (SBS/SEBS). Trade names: Santoprene (Celanese), Sarlink (Teknor Apex), Forprene (So.F.Ter). Used for automotive seals/weatherstrips, wire & cable jacketing, industrial hoses, consumer grips and overmolded soft-touch components. Service temp -40°C to +135°C.
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.
| TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 18064 | ISO 527-1 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosslinked EPDM Rubber | 50–70% | — | — |
| Polypropylene Matrix | 30–50% | — | — |
| 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 | TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 5–8 | — | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 350–500 | — | % |
| Compression Set (70°C/22h) | 20–35 | — | % |
| Density | |||
| Continuous Use Temp | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Elongation | |||
| hardness_shore_a | |||
| Density | |||
| Elastic Modulus |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) 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 TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) the same as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) 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 TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) 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.