Pellethanes refers to a family of polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). TPEs, also known as thermoplastic rubbers, are materials that exhibit properties of both rubber and plastic. Pellethanes are specifically formulated to possess excellent flexibility, resilience, durability, and mechanical properties.
These TPEs are derived from the reaction of polyol and isocyanate, which results in a segmented structure consisting of hard and soft segments. Pellethanes are characterized by their ability to undergo multiple melting and solidification cycles without significant degradation in their physical properties, making them highly versatile materials that can be easily processed using conventional thermoplastic techniques.
Due to their unique combination of properties, Pellethanes find numerous applications in various industries. They are commonly used in the manufacturing of automotive components such as seals, gaskets, hoses, and bumpers, as well as in the production of flexible tubing, electrical connectors, and consumer goods. Pellethanes exhibit excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and environmental factors, including UV radiation and moisture.
The mechanical properties of Pellethanes can be tailored by adjusting the ratios of hard and soft segments during their synthesis, allowing manufacturers to customize the material to specific requirements. These TPEs have become increasingly popular due to their ease of processing, recyclability, and ability to replace traditional rubber materials in various applications, offering cost-effectiveness without sacrificing performance.
