Thermoplastic Elastomers for Flexible Body Components

Thermoplastic elastomers provide a balance of rubberlike properties with easy processing using standard plastics fabrication equipment. Selected physical properties of several types of thermoplastic elastomers are compared including stress-strain, and flexural modulus over a broad temperature range which shows the advantage of polyolefin based systems. Results after one year South Florida exposure of both painted and unpainted materials demonstrates good weatherability. Typical fabrication conditions for both injection molding and extrusion are described.