Thermoplastic elastomers are molding materials like this

Achieving both cost reduction and environmental preservation,
Standard material for the next generation.

Thermoplastic elastomers are materials that have elasticity close to that of rubber, yet can be molded with the same ease
as general-purpose plastics.Since they can be selected from a large number of series according to the application and the
molding process can be shortened, they are highly anticipated as an alternative to cross-linked rubbers.It is also recyclable,
making it a next-generation molding material that is attracting attention not only for its cost advantage but also from the
perspective of environmental preservation.

Comparison of molding processes

About Styrene thermoplastic elastomers (TPS) : Elastomer AR / AROSTOMER

Styrene thermoplastic elastomers have a base unit structure that polystyrene components (hard segments) and polyethylene-polybutylene components (soft segments) are copolymerized in a block shape (Diagram 1).
These are represented as SEBS.
An end block of polystyrene and a middle block of polyethylene-polybutylene are chemically compounded; however, they are not thermodynamically compatible at room temperature.
For the reason, the end blocks of polystyrene are mutually agglutinated and form ultrafine microparticles (domain) and dispersed uniformly (Diagram 2).
This polystyrene domain becomes a physical cross-linking point and plays a role equivalent to the cross-linking point of cross-linked rubber, so SEBS show characteristics as an elastic body.
However, polystyrene components and polybutadiene or polyethylene-polybutylene components are melted together at a temperature of140℃ to 230℃ that allow injection or extrusion molding.
This shows the flow characteristics as thermoplastic resin.
"Elastomer AR" and "Arostomer" are based on SEBS and have various functions such as hygiene, transparency, and vibration damping.

Common Characteristics

• ●Excellent rubber elasticity close to that of cross-linked rubbers.
• ●Excellent cold resistance, ozone resistance, and fluidity.
• ●Excellent resistance to inorganic chemicals such as acids and alkalis.
• ●Compared to cross-linked rubber, weight reduction is possible.

About Olefin thermoplastic elastomers (TPV) : ARVAS

ARVAS is a dynamic cross-linking type olefin thermoplastic elastomer (TPV: Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Elastomer) in which polyolefins such as PP and PE are used as hard segments and the rubber component of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer(EPDM) is used as soft segments.
A partially cross-linked type (VP series) with low specific gravity,excellent moldability and colorability is available.

Common Characteristics

• ●High rubber elasticity even at high temperatures.
• ●Can be used for overmolding and co-extrusion molding with olefin resins.
• ●Low gloss properties.

About Polyester thermoplastic elastomers (TPC) : ESTERAR

Polyester thermoplastic elastomers are copolymers of aromatic polyester hard segments and aliphatic polyether soft segments.
This polymer intertwines like cotton fibers, giving it rubber elasticity and strength.
Based on this polymer, "ESTERAR" is developed as a series with various functions such as conductivity, abrasion resistance, and heat resistance.

Common Characteristics

• ●Excellent cold resistance, ozone resistance, and fluidity.
• ●Excellent resistance to alkaline inorganic chemicals.
• ●Compared to cross-linked rubber, weight reduction is possible.
• ●Can be integrally molded with polar resins such as PC and ABS.

Features of thermoplastic Elastomers

◎：Very excellent
○ : Exellent or usable under ordinary conditions
△ : Relatively poor or conditionally usable
× : Poor or almost unusable

Difference between thermoplastic elastomer and vulcanized rubber