What exactly is a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer?
TPO, also known as polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer, is a type of thermoplastic elastomer that can be processed without vulcanization. It primarily refers to two ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), tertiary ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), and other rubber and polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). The elastomer produced when TPO is vulcanized is known as TPV.
Polyolefin elastomers: what are they?
The in-situ polymerization of ethylene and high-carbon -olefins (1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, etc.) using metallocene catalysts results in polyolefin elastomer, also known as POE. elastic copolymer. The term “POE” mostly refers to ethylene-octene copolymer elastomers having octene mass fractions of more than 20%. This elastomer has a low density, a relatively narrow relative molecular weight, and a certain degree of crystallinity.
What categories do TPO fall under?
The primary components of TPO products are ethylene-octene block copolymer (OBC), thermoplastic dynamic vulcanizate (TPV), and ethylene-octene copolymer (POE), which is produced using a metallocene catalyst.
Organization of POE
In branched polyethylene, POE essentially serves as a physical cross-linking point, while the polyethylene chain crystallization area serves as a physical cross-linking point. The polyethylene chain crystallization area becomes less strong and more amorphous with rubber-like elasticity when -olefin is added. gives POE elastomeric characteristics. Octene, which comprises 8 Cs, and ethylene make up the A structure. Butene and ethylene make up Structure B. Butene possesses 4 C, sometimes known as the ‘8C and 4C’.
Performance of POE: POE has exceptional physical and mechanical qualities (high elasticity, high elongation, good impact strength), good low temperature resistance, and processing rheology due to its unique molecular structure. The POE main chain’s saturated structure gives it an advantage over conventional elastomers in terms of heat aging and UV resistance. A product’s weld line strength and filler dispersion can both be enhanced by good mobility.
The creation of POE
In COACE products, the mass fraction of octene comonomer is greater than 20%. It can successfully control the addition of long-chain branches to the polymer’s linear short-chain branched structure, enhancing the material’s processing rheological properties (Mooney viscosity changes from less than 5 to 35) and transparency. A variety of POE products with varying densities, Mooney viscosities, melt flow rates, tensile strengths, and hardness can be created through careful design and control of polymer structure.
Making use of POE
POE can be used to toughen and modify PP, enhance PP/PE recycling performance, toughen and compatibilize PA nylon, among other things, modify EVA extrusion hose and combined foaming, produce hot melt adhesives, cable sheathing materials, films, etc. POE is currently widely utilized in a variety of industries, including those that produce wires and cables, household goods, toys, machine tools, entertainment and athletic goods, shoe bottoms, hot melt adhesives, seals, etc. Since the use of POE has had such a significant impact on conventional rubber and plastic materials, both academia and business have given it considerable attention.
1.Modification of PP
PP’s applicability is constrained by its low notched impact strength and particularly pronounced low-temperature brittleness. By combining PP with elastomer POE, it is currently a widely utilized technique to enhance the impact capabilities of PP.
PP jelly cups, car bars, car door panels, home appliance casings, office stationery, and plastic accessories for battery automobiles and motorbikes can all be made with the modified and toughened PP. As a PP impact modifier, POE has several clear advantages over conventional EPDM, including easier mixing, more adequate mixing and dispersion, and toughening while keeping high yield strength and fluidity of PP.
2. Increase the efficiency of PP/PE recycling
After processing, recycled PP/PE materials will become extremely brittle due to deterioration or cross-linking and cannot be used directly or in large numbers. The performance of PP/PE recycled materials, which may be used in many applications, will be significantly improved by adding POE mixing granulation or direct injection molding. used in plastic pallets, turnover boxes, tool boxes, beach chairs, office desk and chair accessories, and other plastic products.
3. Compatibility agent for PA and other engineering plastics
The non-polarity of POE prevents it from reacting smoothly and effectively with engineering plastics like PA and PET, but it can do so with maleic anhydride (MAH) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) through peroxide initiation.. Acrylic acid AA and other monomers undergo grafting reactions, and the resulting grafts are frequently used to toughen engineering plastics like PA and can also be used as compatibilizers in plastic alloys.
4. When foaming, use with EVA.
Foaming will work better because POE has significantly more flexibility and resilience than EVA. For instance, the product’s weight is lower, its compression and rebound properties are better, it feels wonderful to the touch, its cells are uniform and delicate, and it doesn’t tear. High strength and other notable benefits. Beach shoes, slippers, sports shoe midsoles, mouse pads, seat cushions, Styrofoam materials, thermal insulation materials, cushioning sheets, and on foam items like baggage linings have all made extensive use of POE, whether it is molded foam or injection foam following granulation.
5. POE for an EVA extrusion hose modification
Extruded winding corrugated pipes are used in the hose sector. A product that combines the usage of EVA and POE is more flexible, has superior flex resistance, and is more resilient to environmental stress. The extruded hose gains a contamination-resistant seal by adding POE to the inner layer, which necessitates a low heat sealing temperature and better heat sealing strength. Additionally, POE is frequently utilized in drainage pipes, washing machine hoses, and vacuum cleaner hoses.
6. A color or filler masterbatch
POE has a very low crystallinity, which gives it good filling fluidity and tolerance. In order to increase the quality of color masterbatch or filler masterbatch, POE can be employed as a carrier in these mixtures or in substitute of PE wax.
7. Hot melt glue
The product can achieve no odor, low density, high flow coating, good wettability, etc., and may also be used in conjunction with EVA. POE can replace EVA as a hot melt adhesive.
8. Cable components
POE has superior electrical insulation, high cross-linking efficiency, ozone resistance, fire resistance, weather resistance, and anti-aging properties. It can replace EVA, EEA, or EPDM for non-PVC cable sheath material insulation, and POE hardness and strength fluctuate at a slow rate. It can be used to create halogen-free flame retardant cable materials either in place of EVA or in conjunction with EVA.
9. Products made of membrane, such as PE film
Based on the POE/LLDPE/CPP blend, POE exhibits good low-temperature heat-sealing, hot-adhesive strength, and resilience performance. In other words, increasing the heat-sealing layer’s heat-sealing window temperature will also increase the film’s ability to rebound and resist tearing. Good progress.
Coace is a leading company with over 10 years of experience in the research and development of polymer materials. With a team of more than ten scientific researchers, they provide professional plastic modification solutions tailored to the unique needs of their customers. One of Coace’s key advantages is its state-of-the-art production equipment, which includes 8 reactive extrusion lines and customized equipment from renowned German manufacturers. These resources enable Coace to efficiently and effectively produce high-quality polymer materials that meet the most demanding standards. Whether you need help with product design, material selection, or production optimization, Coace has the expertise and resources to provide the solutions you need.
