TPU is the abbreviation of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, which is a polymer material that combines the elasticity of rubber and the easy processing performance of plastic. TPU has many advantages, such as: soft, wear-resistant, environmentally friendly, and strong processing adaptability
The hardness range of TPU is mostly concentrated between Shore A 60 and Shore D 80. Usually, TPU resin manufacturers can adjust the hardness according to different requirements.
| TPU type | Main characteristics | TPU type Main characteristics | Common application areas |
| Polyester TPU (Polyester) | Wear-resistant, oil-resistant, high mechanical strength | A80 ~ D60 | Soles clothing fabrics, decoration materials (curtain base, sofa lining, etc.), medical materials, etc. |
Polyether-based TPU | Hydrolysis-resistant, cold-resistant, good softness | A65 ~ D55 | Wires and cables, medical equipment, sports protective gear, outdoor tents, etc. |
| Polycaprolactone TPU (PCL-based) | High transparency, good biocompatibility, flexibility | A70 ~ D45 | High-end medical, car clothing film, etc. |
| Special functional TPU (customized) | Flame retardant, antibacterial, conductive, antistatic and other characteristics | A60 ~ D80 | Smart wear, electronic housing, 3C injection molding, functional film, etc. |
Depending on the purpose, the choice of TPU is different.
For example, in the cold Russian region, the choice of TPU will focus on cold resistance and friction resistance.
According to different application process choices, such as blown film, cast film, foaming, extrusion, injection molding, these TPU choices will have different focuses.
According to the hardness, you can choose soft (Shore A < 80) or hard (Shore D > 50) TPU, or other hardness (can be customized by the manufacturer)
●The TPU market continues to grow, and it is predicted that it will eventually reach US$2926.67 million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.04% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
●The application areas of TPU are constantly expanding. Due to the unique characteristics of TPU such as high elasticity, transparency, oil resistance, grease resistance and wear resistance, the global TPU market has been experiencing significant growth.
●These characteristics make it more and more used in automobiles, footwear, medical equipment and electronics, outdoor products, clothing fabrics and other fields.
●In recent years, environmentally friendly TPU (halogen-free, plasticizer-free, bio-based TPU) has gradually emerged and replaced many PVC and EVA application scenarios.
At the same time, special functional TPU is becoming a trend of high value-added products.
a). What is the difference between polyester-based TPU and polyether-based TPU in application?
Polyester TPU is more outstanding in strength and is suitable for structural parts; polyether TPU has strong hydrolysis resistance and excellent low-temperature performance. It is suitable for humid or cold environments.
b). Can TPU be recycled and reused?
TPU can be recycled and reused, but the performance of recycled TPU is worse than that of new material, and it is not recommended to be used in key parts.
c). Can TPU be colored or added with functional additives?
Of course, TPU can be made into any color you want through masterbatch, and it can also achieve flame retardant, antistatic, matte, antibacterial and other properties.
1. STANDARD can provide different hardness of TPU carrier masterbatch
2. We can provide customized color masterbatch and functional masterbatch solutions for the TPU industry
3. Free sampling and formula development
Welcome to contact us for samples and technical information
