Thermoplastic elastomer TPE/TPR, also known as elastomer or synthetic rubber, has the excellent properties of traditional cross-linked vulcanised rubber such as high elasticity, ageing resistance and oil resistance, but also has the advantages of easy processing of plastic materials and a variety of processing methods.
It can be produced by injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding and other processing methods, while its edges can be crushed for direct secondary use. Thermoplastic elastomer TPE/TPR materials can simplify the processing process and reduce processing costs, and have become the latest material to replace traditional rubber, which has received widespread attention.
It is not only environmentally friendly, non-toxic, comfortable to the touch, beautiful in appearance, but also brings more creativity to the product, becoming a more humane, high quality new material, one of the world’s standard environmental protection materials.
S&E Engineered Polymers has developed a high performance thermoplastic elastomer with both softness and hardness memory that can be used to make flippers for swimming and diving for amputees.
The company says that this specifically tailored TPE is moderately stiff and not only prevents skin irritation, but also propels well in the water, helping the wearer to swim while also allowing him or her to stand up without deformation. In addition, the material offers the advantages of neutral buoyancy, high temperature resistance and a diverse range of colours.
S&E’s new elastomer TufPrene 4005C-80A has been developed on the basis of SEBS polymers and has a Shore hardness of 80. The elastomer was developed by S&E for the newly established company AmpFins.
G+GProducts in Kennebunk, Maine, USA, made the prototype mould for the flippers and after moulding tests the flippers have been tested in public at the University of Maine’s Prescott Ayr campus.
AmpFins says the new flippers are ideal for use in a variety of different situations, including battlefield veterans and people of all ages, and offer improved performance compared to the rocket-style flippers used by US Navy SEALs.
