Polyethylene elastomer

Types of polyethylene elastomer

Polyethylene elastomers are polymers with rubber-like properties. They are flexible, have a low density, and can be stretched and bent without breaking or cracking. These elastomers are used in different applications, including seals, gaskets, medical devices, and consumer goods. Polyethylene elastomers come in different types, such as:

• Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBCs)

  Styrenic block copolymers are thermoplastic elastomers with rubber and thermoplastic plastic properties. They have an ability to withstand repeated stretching and flexing. SBCs are elastic and flexible, and they can be processed like plastics. They consist of a hard styrene block and a soft rubbery thermoplastic elastomer block. The hard block creates a solid phase, while the soft block creates an elastic phase. SBCs are popular because they are easy to process and have different hardnesses. They are also used in different applications, such as adhesives, sealants, and medical devices. The common types of styrenic block copolymers are SEBS and SBS. SEBS has better weather resistance and UV stability than SBS.

• Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs)

  Thermoplastic polyurethanes are elastic plastics made of hard and soft segments. They form block copolymers similar to styrenic block copolymers. The hard segment acts as a crystalline domain, while the soft segment provides elasticity and flexibility. Thermoplastic polyurethanes are durable and versatile. They have different hardness levels, good abrasion resistance, and tensile strength. They can also be melted and molded multiple times without losing their properties. TPUs are commonly used in different applications, such as automotive parts, medical devices, and footwear. Their hardness is measured using the Shore A or Shore D scale.

• Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPVs)

  Thermoplastic vulcanizates are thermoplastic elastomers made from a mixture of elastomers and thermoplastic vulcanized. They consist of fine dispersed vulcanized particles in a continuous thermoplastic phase. This combination gives them the properties of both thermoplastics and thermosets. TPVs have excellent elasticity and high-temperature resistance. They also have good weather resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. They can be processed using thermoplastic methods, such as injection molding and extrusion. TPVs are used in different applications, such as automotive sealing systems, roofing membranes, and industrial gaskets. Their elastic properties are similar to those of cross-linked elastomers.

Function and feature of Polyethylene elastomer

Elastomeric polyethylene is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that combines the properties of thermoplastics and elastomers. It is widely used in various applications due to its unique features. The following are its functions:

• Flexibility and Elasticity: Elastomeric polyethylene is known for its elasticity and flexibility. It can be stretched to a considerable extent without breaking, then return to its original shape. This makes it ideal for applications where flexibility is required, for example, seals, gaskets, and flexible hoses.
• Durability and Strength: It is a tough and resistant material, which makes it ideal for creating long-lasting products. Its high strength and durability make it popular in the automotive and construction industries.
• Impact Resistance: Polyethylene elastomer has high impact resistance. It can withstand mechanical stress and harsh conditions without cracking or breaking. This characteristic makes it useful in applications exposed to frequent impact and abrasion, such as bumpers and protective covers.
• UV and Weather Resistance: Polyethylene elastomer exhibits excellent weather and UV resistance. It can be exposed to sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture for long periods without significant degradation. This makes it useful in outdoor applications, such as roofing membranes and exterior seals.
• Chemical Resistance: It can resist different chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents. This makes it ideal for applications in chemically aggressive environments, such as chemical storage tanks and containers.
• Compatibility: Elastomeric polyethylene is compatible with different materials, such as plastics and fillers. This allows for the customization of its properties to suit specific applications.

Polyethylene elastomer has different features, including;

• Thermoplastic Nature: It is a thermoplastic elastomer, meaning it behaves like an elastomer at room temperature, but it can be melted and reformed repeatedly. This thermoplastic character allows for easy processing and recycling.
• Soft and Hard Segments: Polyethylene elastomers have soft and hard segments. The soft segments give elasticity and flexibility, while the hard segments provide strength and durability.
• Low Permeability: It has low permeability to gases and liquids. This makes it useful in applications requiring airtight and watertight properties, like bladders and inflatable products.
• Varied Shore Hardness: Polyethylene elastomers are available in various Shore hardness grades. This allows the production of products with different hardness levels, from soft and flexible materials to hard and durable ones.
• Recyclability: Due to their thermoplastic nature, polyethylene elastomers can be recycled. This makes them more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional thermoset elastomers.

Scenarios of Polyethylene Elastomer

• Automotive Applications:

  Polyethylene elastomer is used in automotive applications, especially in making automotive seals and gaskets. These elastomeric seals provide a protective barrier against dust, water, and other external elements. They are used in car doors, windows, and trunk seals.

  These elastomer seals are also used in forming seals for headlights and taillights. They help prevent moisture buildup inside the light fixtures.

  PEE is used in manufacturing flexible hoses and tubing. It is also utilized in making bumpers and body cladding due to its excellent impact resistance.

• Consumer Electronics:

  Polyethylene elastomers are used in consumer electronics applications. They are used in making flexible keypads and buttons for various electronic devices like remote controls, microwave ovens, and calculators.

  These elastomers are also used in making dust and waterproof seals for portable electronic devices like smartwatches, fitness bands, and smartphones.

• Sporting Goods:

  These elastomers are widely used in sporting goods. They are used in making grip handles for sporting equipment like tennis rackets, golf clubs, and bicycle handles. The elastomer grips offer a comfortable and non-slip grip.

  Polyethylene elastomers are also used in making inflatable sports items, such as balls (footballs, basketballs, etc.). These elastomers create durable and flexible bladders that retain air. They are also used in making flexible and durable outer covers for these inflatable balls.

• Medical Devices:

  These elastomers are used in the medical industry. They are used in making flexible tubing and hoses for medical devices like oxygen tubes, IV lines, and suction hoses. Their biocompatibility makes them safe for medical applications.

  They are also used in making seals and gaskets for medical devices to prevent contamination and ensure a sterile environment.

• Construction and Building:

  Polyethylene elastomers are widely used in the construction industry. They are used in making weather-resistant seals and gaskets for windows, doors, and skylights. These seals help improve energy efficiency by minimizing air leaks.

  These elastomers are also used in making roofing membranes, expansion joint fillers, and waterproofing materials.

How to choose polyethylene elastomer

• Application requirements

  Business owners must consider the application for which the PEL products are intended. They should look at factors like temperature range, environmental exposure, and mechanical stress. Applications like automotive components, footwear, seals, and gaskets have different requirements. For instance, automotive components need polymers with excellent heat resistance and durability. At the same time, seals and gaskets require materials with low compressibility and good weathering resistance.

• Performance characteristics

  Buyers should look at the performance characteristics of different elastomers. They should look at polymers with good tensile strength, tear resistance, and elongation at break. If the product is intended to be used in a cold environment, it should have low-temperature flexibility. On the other hand, if it is going to be used in hot environments, it should have high-temperature stability.

• Compatibility and processing

  It is important to choose a PEL that is compatible with the material it is going to be processed with. This ensures a homogenous mixture is produced. Business owners should consider the processing methods available like injection molding and extrusion. They should choose a polyethylene elastomer that can be processed using the available methods.

• Regulatory requirements

  Business owners should ensure the polyethylene elastomer complies with industry-specific regulations and standards. This is more important for applications like medical devices and food packaging. They may require specific certifications to be obtained.

• Cost and availability

  Business owners should consider the cost of different PEL products. They should look at the performance and characteristics of the polyethylene elastomer. This will allow them to choose the most suitable elastomer for their application at a reasonable price. They should also consider the availability of the product. They should choose an elastomer that is readily available to avoid delaying the production cycle.

polyethylene elastomer Q&A

Q1: What are the main applications of polyethylene elastomers?

A1: Polyethylene elastomers are used in a wide range of applications. They are used in automotive components, electrical and electronic parts, consumer goods, medical devices, packaging, seals, and gaskets, among others.

Q2: What are the benefits of polyethylene elastomers?

A2: Polyethylene elastomers have various advantages. They have good flexibility at low temperatures, excellent resistance to water, and good processability. They are also lightweight and can be made transparent.

Q3: What are the limitations of polyethylene elastomers?

A3: Although polyethylene elastomers have many advantages, they also have some limitations. These include lower heat resistance, lower tensile strength and tear resistance than other elastomers, and UV degradation over time when exposed to sunlight.

Q4: What are the common types of polyethylene elastomers?

A4: The commonly used polyethylene elastomers are copolymer of ethylene and propylene (EPR), thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), styrenic thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS, SEPS), thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer (TPV), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.

Q5: How are thermoplastic elastomers processed?

A5: Thermoplastic elastomers are processed using conventional thermoplastic processing methods. These include injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and compression molding.