(TPE) - it is a polymeric material which are characterized by physical properties of the vulcanized rubber and characteristics of thermoplastics. This material is like a an elastomer - for example, it can change shape and size, and back to the initial parameters. Among the main advantages of this material include its flexibility and elasticity.

The TPE structure consists of two parts. The first part is low modulus and easily deformed. The second part is hard - it binds the elastic zones. The TPE can change: when the material is heated to temperature higher than the melting temperature the TPE converts into polymer liquid.

Styrenic TPE - styrene rubbers are used as the main component;

Polyolefin TPE - EPDM rubbers are used as the main component;

Polyester TPE - polyester is used as the main component;

The main components define the characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers and the scope of their application. And the main standardizing index of the TPE is hardness - it ranges from 25 Shore A to 60 Shore D usually. However the all types of thermoplastic elastomers are characterized by resistance to a wide range of temperatures, and in some cases their characteristics are exceed the characteristics of synthetic and natural rubbers. They can be characterized by:

Chemical resistance and benzo- and oil resistance;

The thermoplastic elastomers retain elastomeric properties at temperatures from -65 degree to +150 degree .