Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane rubber, referred to as TPU, is an (AB)n type block linear polymer. A is a polyester or polyether with a high molecular weight (1000 – 6000), and B is a diol containing 2 – 12 straight-chain carbon atoms. The chemical structure between the AB segments is diisocyanate. Thermoplastic polyurethane rubber is cross-linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds or slightly cross-linked between macromolecular chains. With the increase or decrease of temperature, these two cross-linked structures are reversible. The intermolecular force weakens in the molten state or solution state, and after cooling or solvent evaporation, there is a strong intermolecular force connected together to restore the original solid performance. Typical TPUs such as spandex, etc.
Feature
The outstanding characteristics of polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer are excellent wear resistance, extremely good ozone resistance, high hardness, high strength, good elasticity, low temperature resistance, good oil resistance, chemical resistance and environmental resistance. In a humid environment, the hydrolysis stability of polyether type esters far exceeds that of polyester type.
Application
TPU is an industry with rapid development. New technologies, new products and new uses related to it keep emerging. The uses of TPU almost extend to various industries. At present, it has been widely applied in many fields such as shoe materials, clothing, pipes, films and sheets, cables, automobiles, construction, medicine and health, national defense, sports and leisure, etc. TPU is recognized as a new type of polymer material that is environmentally friendly and has excellent performance. At present, TPU is mainly dominated by low-end consumption. Its high-end consumption fields are basically dominated by some multinational companies. Including Bayer and BASF from Germany, Lubrizol and Huntsman from the United States, etc., they are all increasing the research and development efforts of new products. TPU products with high added value are constantly being developed and put into the market. TPU materials have become one of the fastest-growing thermoplastic materials.
A. Footwear: Logos of sports shoes, air cushions of sports shoes, hiking shoes, snow shoes, golf shoes, roller skates, materials for fabric and inner lining.
B. Clothing: Snow suits, raincoats, windbreakers, cold-proof jackets, field uniforms, diapers, physiological pants, etc. Composite materials for fabric (waterproof and moisture-permeable).
C. Medicine: Surgical gowns, caps, shoes, hospital mattresses, ice packs, bandages, plasma bags, surgical bandage cloth, masks, etc. Materials for fabric and inner lining, and airbags for surgical beds.
D. Defense supplies: Aircraft fuel tanks,Laminating film for weapon storage, tent windows, military water bags, life jackets, inflatable boats, etc. Materials for fabric and inner lining, and airbags.
E. Sports goods: Surfaces and inner linings of footballs, inflatable beds, drinking water bags, ski gloves (waterproof bags), diving suits, snow suits, swimsuits, ski boards, trademarks, airbags, sports shirts, slimming clothes, etc. Materials for fabric and inner lining.
F. Industrial products: Rubber edges of speaker drum paper, waterproof strips, sound insulation materials, fireproof materials, fireproof clothes, fire suits, fireproof fabrics, etc. Composite materials for fabric and inner lining, outer sheath materials for wires and cables.
G. Other uses: Mobile phone keys, plastic inflatable toys, bed sheets, tablecloths, shower curtains, furniture fabrics, aprons, pianos, computer keyboards,Laminating film, etc. Materials for fabric and inner lining.
