Revealing the secret of TPU film: a comprehensive analysis from performance to application
In the field of polymer materials, TPU films (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer films) are moving from behind the industry to the front-end consumer with their excellent comprehensive performance. How can this seemingly thin material achieve the magical expression of "hardness and softness" in multiple fields? This article will take you into the deep understanding of the charm of TPU films from the essence of materials, core advantages to diverse applications.
1. Re-understand TPU films: elastic materials that can "breathe"
The TPU film is made of polymerization of isocyanate, polyol and chain extender. The soft segments (giving elasticity) and hard segments (providing strength) in the molecular chain make it both rubber elasticity and plastic processability. Its core features include:
Extreme flexibility: The elongation rate of break can reach 500%-800%, and can be bent repeatedly for more than 100,000 times without damage, far exceeding traditional films such as PVC and PE;
Temperature adaptability: The temperature resistance range is -40℃ to 120℃, the low temperature is not brittle and cracked, and the high temperature is not deformed, and it can work stably in both the Arctic and South Pole scientific research equipment and the automobile engine compartment;
New environmental protection benchmarks: halogen-free and phthalate-free. It has passed the international safety certification such as OEKO-TEX®, and the proportion of renewable raw materials for bio-based TPU films has reached more than 40%.
2. Five core advantages: Redefining the competitiveness of materials
1. Weather resistance: "anti-aging experts" in outdoor scenes
The aromatic TPU film is susceptible to yellowing due to ultraviolet rays, while the aliphatic TPU has a UV resistance level of 4-5 (up to 5), and maintains a tensile strength of more than 90% after three years of exposure to the sun outdoors, making it the first choice for waterproof films of jackets and sealing films of automobile sunroofs.
2. Sealing: "Protective Armor" for Precision Equipment
The air permeability of TPU film with a thickness of 0.1mm is only 0.05cm³/(m²・24h・0.1MPa). Combined with high-frequency welding technology, high-precision sealing products such as medical infusion bags and lithium battery explosion-proof films can be made, with air leakage rate less than 0.01%.
3. Functionality: “Variable Materials” customized on demand
By adjusting the formulation and process, TPU films can achieve:
Adjustable hardness: Shore hardness ranges from 80A (soft as rubber band) to 75D (hard as plastic), meeting the soft touch of massage chair airbags and the wear resistance of industrial conveyor belts;
Intelligent Response: TPU films with conductive fillers can be made into pressure sensors, and a slight pressure of 0.01N can trigger signals, and are used in wearable devices and medical mattresses.
4. Processing Friendliness: “Efficiency Booster” in the Manufacturing Industry
Thermoplastic properties allow it to be rapidly formed through blow molding, casting, calendering and other processes, with a production speed of 50-100 meters/minute, and support composite with fabrics, metals, glass and other materials, simplifying the product design process.
5. Circular Economy: "Green Choice" for Sustainable Development
Waste TPU films can be regenerated through physical recycling (recovery rate up to 90%) or chemical depolymerization and regenerating. Each ton of regenerated TPU produced can reduce CO₂ emissions by 1.2 tons, in line with the global "dual carbon" target.
