The difference between TPU and PVC
Release time:
13 Nov,2019
TPU and TPV are essentially similar materials—both are thermoplastic elastomers. TPU is a replacement product for PVC. TPU is not a plastic but rather a resin. Its advantages include oil resistance, cold resistance, and resistance to aging. Its performance is dozens of times better than that of PVC.
The English abbreviation for thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is TPU. It is an elastomeric material with exceptionally outstanding performance. Compared to PVC materials, the main visual differences are as follows:
1. Transparent TPU tends to develop a yellowish tint over time, while PVC typically comes in two colors: blue and yellow.
2. TPU has a wide hardness range, from Shore A 60 to Shore D 85; PVC hardness typically ranges from Shore A 30 to 120.
3. TPU outperforms PVC in terms of abrasion resistance, low-temperature resistance, oil resistance, chemical resistance, and resilience.
4. TPU boasts excellent environmental and safety performance—it contains no prohibited substances such as plasticizers or phthalates, whereas PVC does have environmental concerns.
5. TPU products have no odor, whereas PVC products emit a strong, pungent smell.
TPU burns with a pleasant aromatic scent, making it relatively easy to distinguish. TPE contains TPU as one of its components, and its surface feels particularly smooth and pleasant to the touch. TPE, TPR, TPU, and TPV essentially refer to similar materials—all of which are thermoplastic elastomers. TPU is a superior alternative to PVC. Although TPU is not classified as a plastic, it is a resin. Its key advantages include excellent oil resistance, cold resistance, and resistance to aging. Its performance is dozens of times better than that of PVC. TPU products have a service life of over 10 years and remain unbreakable even when bent at temperatures as low as -40°C, demonstrating exceptional cold resistance.
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