TPC (Thermoplastic Copolyester) is a versatile thermoplastic elastomer that combines the properties of plastics and rubbers, offering excellent flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. It provides high impact strength and good resistance to heat, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, electrical cables, and medical devices. TPC can be easily processed and molded, offering design flexibility. Its resilience, coupled with its ability to withstand harsh environments, makes it a popular choice for demanding industrial and commercial uses.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a type of thermoplastic elastomer composed of polyurethane, offering a combination of hard and soft segments. It is known for its excellent flexibility, high abrasion resistance, and impact strength. TPU has a wide range of hardness levels, which can be adjusted during the manufacturing process. It is also highly resistant to oils, fats, and greases, making it a durable material with good thermal stability and chemical resistance.
TPC (Thermoplastic Copolyester) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) are both thermoplastic elastomers, but their chemical structures differ. TPC is made from copolyesters, combining hard and soft segments to provide flexibility, chemical resistance, and impact strength.
TPU, on the other hand, is based on polyurethane, which gives it superior elasticity and durability. While TPC offers good heat resistance and chemical stability, TPU is often chosen for its better wear resistance, toughness, and greater flexibility under stress.
How flexible is TPU? When it comes to flexibility, TPU outperforms TPC. TPU materials are highly flexible and elastic, allowing them to return to their original shape after deformation. This characteristic makes TPU particularly ideal for applications requiring repeated movement or bending.
While TPC offers good flexibility, it does not match the level of stretch and resilience provided by TPU. In terms of durability, TPU tends to be more resistant to abrasion and physical wear, making it more suitable for applications involving heavy use.
TPC has superior chemical resistance compared to TPU, especially in harsh environments. It is more resistant to chemicals, oils, and solvents, which makes it suitable for applications exposed to aggressive chemicals or extreme temperatures.
TPU, while still resistant to many chemicals, does not offer the same level of chemical stability as TPC. However, TPU excels in resistance to wear and tear, making it a better choice for applications where physical damage is a concern rather than chemical exposure.
Both TPC and TPU can be processed using similar methods like injection molding and extrusion. However, TPC is generally easier to process due to its relatively lower viscosity and better flow characteristics during molding. This allows for easier shaping and faster production cycles.
TPU requires more precise processing conditions, especially when dealing with varying hardness levels. While TPU’s processing may be more complex, it allows for a broader range of material hardness and custom formulations, offering more design flexibility.
TPC has better thermal resistance compared to TPU, especially at higher temperatures. TPC’s molecular structure provides good heat resistance, allowing it to maintain its properties in environments with elevated temperatures.
TPU, while still offering good temperature stability, tends to soften at higher temperatures. The TPU melting point is a key factor, as it generally occurs at a lower temperature compared to TPC, limiting its performance in extreme heat. However, TPU’s flexibility and toughness make it better suited for applications with moderate thermal demands, where high flexibility under varying conditions is essential.
| Properties | TPC (Thermoplastic Copolyester) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) |
| Material Composition | Made from copolyesters, combining hard and soft segments. | Made from polyurethane, combining hard and soft segments. |
| Flexibility | Good flexibility but less elastic compared to TPU. | Highly flexible and elastic, offering excellent rebound and stretch. |
| Durability | Durable with good chemical and impact resistance. | Highly durable, especially in abrasion resistance and wear. |
| Chemical Resistance | Superior chemical, oil, and solvent resistance. | Good chemical resistance but less than TPC. |
| Environmental Resistance | Performs well in harsh chemical environments and extreme temps. | Strong wear and tear resistance, but less chemical stability. |
| Processing | Easier to process with better flow characteristics. | Requires more precise processing due to varying hardness levels. |
| Temperature Resistance | Better thermal stability, can handle higher temperatures. | Good temperature stability but softens at higher temperatures. |
Yes, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is considered safe and is widely used in medical devices, food-contact products, and wearable items. It’s non-toxic, BPA-free, and doesn’t contain harmful plasticizers like phthalates. TPU is also resistant to bacteria, abrasion, and chemicals, making it hygienic and reliable. Many grades of TPU meet international safety standards such as FDA and ISO certifications. When sourced from reputable manufacturers, TPU is a highly safe material trusted across industries for both consumer and industrial applications.
TPU can also be food safe when specifically manufactured to meet FDA or EU food-contact standards. Food-grade TPU is durable, flexible, and resistant to grease, abrasion, and bacteria.
Is TPU UV Resistant？
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) has moderate UV resistance, but it can degrade or yellow over time with prolonged sun exposure. To enhance its UV stability, additives or UV-stabilized grades are used. For outdoor applications, it's best to choose specially formulated UV-resistant TPU to maintain appearance and performance over time.
Why Does TPU Turn Yellow?
TPU turns yellow due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, oxygen, and heat, which cause a chemical reaction called photo-oxidation. This reaction breaks down the polymer chains and alters the material’s color. Non-UV-stabilized TPU is especially prone to yellowing, even when stored indoors with indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
