TPE physical crosslinking, in contrast to rubber undergoing irreversible chemical crosslinking. These are two-phase systems : as block polymers, graft polymers or copolymers consisting of two not mutually mixed ingredients called hard phase and a soft phase. The hard parts are so arranged as a kind of crystalline structure which is connected to the soft parts. Thus arises a pseudo- crosslinked structure. TPE can be processed above the transition temperature characteristic as thermoplastics, which is more advantageous than the method of vulcanization. Disadvantages are : larger creep under load, a relatively low tensile strength, high hardness and relatively large temperature dependence. Polyolefin thermoplastic rubber TPE- O ( YEPDM ) has properties comparable to EPDM as chemical resistance.

In the case of TPE -S ( YSBR ), a hard phase is styrene, butadiene is the soft. The properties are comparable to the SBR, the hardness depends on the composition ratio of styrene to butadiene. The decrease in tensile strength occurs above 60°C, low temperatures resistance to -40°C. Good chemical resistance to water, dilute acids and alkalis, alcohols and ketones. YSBR is resistant to polar solvents, fuels and oils.

TPE-E (Ybbo) rubber-based thermoplastic polyester is characterized by:

• high tensile strength - can be used instead of the cloth- rubber
• high modulus of elasticity
• good relative elongation
• exceptional resistance to solvents
• resistance to oxidizing acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkaline solutions, oils and greases

Strong oxidizing acids cause swelling.

Operating temperature range from is -40 to +120°C