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Is TPU membrane prone to aging and cracking in the sun?
In outdoor application scenarios, whether the TPU membrane will age and crack due to sunlight is a common concern for users. This phenomenon is closely related to the molecular structure, type and environmental factors of the TPU membrane.
2025-07-04
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Is TPU membrane prone to aging and cracking in the sun?

    In outdoor application scenarios, whether the TPU membrane will age and crack due to sunlight is a common concern for users. This phenomenon is closely related to the molecular structure, type and environmental factors of the TPU membrane.

    From a molecular perspective, high-energy photons in ultraviolet rays are the "culprit" that causes TPU membrane aging. The molecular chain of aromatic TPU membranes contains a benzene ring structure, and ultraviolet rays can easily destroy the chemical bonds near the benzene ring and trigger an oxidative degradation reaction. Data shows that the untreated aromatic TPU membrane may drop by 30%-40% when exposed to the sun outdoors for 3 months, and the surface may turn yellow and harden, and even crack in severe cases. In contrast, the aliphatic TPU membrane does not contain benzene rings, has a more stable structure, significantly improved UV resistance, and can reach 4-5 yellowing resistance levels (up to 5). Even if exposed to sunlight for a long time, it can maintain flexibility and physical properties better.

    Environmental factors will also accelerate TPU membrane aging. High temperatures will aggravate the thermal movement of the molecular chains and accelerate their degradation rate; in high humidity environments, polyester TPUs may also undergo hydrolysis reactions, further weakening the performance of the membrane. In addition, pollutants in the air and chemical substances in industrial waste gas may react chemically with the TPU membrane, accelerating the aging process.

    However, the weather resistance of the TPU film can be effectively improved through technical means. Adding ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants and other additives during the production process can greatly enhance the anti-aging ability of the film material; using co-extrusion technology to combine the surface layer with the functional layer with good weather resistance can also protect the internal materials. For example, specially treated outdoor TPU membranes can extend their service life to 5-8 years. At the same time, standardized use and maintenance is also crucial. Avoiding the TPU membrane contact with sharp objects and regularly cleaning surface contaminants can all help delay aging.

    The risk of aging and cracking of TPU membranes in the sun varies by type. Aromatic TPU membranes should be used with caution in long-term outdoor scenarios, while aliphatic TPU membranes and specially treated products can maintain good performance in the sun and meet a variety of application needs.

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TPU hot melt adhesive film vs anaerobic adhesive: "Scene flexibility" difference in automotive interior bonding
2025-09-11
​From the perspective of curing conditions, TPU hot melt adhesive film does not need to rely on special environments, while anaerobic adhesives are severely restricted by "auerobicity". The curing principle of anaerobic glue is to undergo polymerization under conditions of lack of oxygen and catalyzed by metal ions (such as iron and copper). If it is in an environment where air circulation or metal substrates are not available, the curing speed will be greatly slowed down or even unable to cure. In automotive interiors, most bonding scenarios are "open" (such as bonding the door panel skin to PP substrate, and the ceiling fabric to the sponge), the air can freely contact the bonding surface, and the substrate is mostly non-metallic (PP, ABS, fabric, etc.), lacking metal ion catalysis, and additional catalyst is required when using anaerobic glue, and the curing time is as long as several hours, which is difficult to meet the needs of industrial production. The TPU hot melt adhesive film only needs to be melted by heating (120-160℃) and can be cured after pressurization and cooling. It does not need to rely on the ambient oxygen concentration or the base material. It can be cured stably in open or closed bonding scenarios, and the curing time only takes a few dozen seconds to a few minutes, adapting to the fast-paced needs of the interior production line.
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