Material selection for products and applications

Replacing rubber by thermoplastic elastomers

Rubbers are often used in applications where polymers are exposed to (strong) mechanical forces. Research into better and cheaper alternatives is ongoing, however. A possible alternative to the use of rubber are thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), Artecs has the facilities to test the tensile strength, elasticity and hysteresis of TPEs, as well as their tear, fatigue and creep behaviours etc., to accurately identify the material properties. Based on these data acquired and specifications of the application, Artecs can examine whether a rubber compound could be replaced by a TPE and suggest a possible alternative for their customer.