Deep Dive into TPE and TPR: Exploring Their Differences and Applications

Rubber and elastomers are terms frequently mentioned in the chemical industry, but there are many differences between the two. Rubber is an organic polymer material with a molecular weight of up to several hundred thousand, uniquely featuring elasticity over a wide temperature range, low elastic modulus, high-strength deformation, and unique tensile exothermic properties. Nevertheless, rubber requires a cross-linking (vulcanization) process to fully unleash its optimal performance.

In contrast, elastomers share similar "low modulus, high elongation" characteristics with rubber but can be prepared without vulcanization. Elastomers can be produced through plastic processing procedures and typically exhibit the unique property of rapid deformation and recovery. For example, the thermoplastic elastomer SBS is a typical representative of elastomers.