Application of Thermoplastic Elastomers as Sealing Materials

In recent years, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), due to their ease of processability, performance and lower part cost, have begun to replace conventional thermoset rubbers. The functional advantages are due to the materials themselves as well as the design advantages these materials offer over thermoset materials.

This paper will examine some material properties relevant to the part performance. Most specifications for sealing applications are based on short-term compression set. The paper will show the criticality of appropriate time and temperature specifications for elastomeric behavior.

Data of Vi-Chem's Sevrene TPE will be used to demonstrate the suitability of this type of material for different sealing applications.