Recent TPO Advancements in Exterior Automotive Applications

Thermoplastic Olefin Elastomers (TPO) are reviewed in present and potential applications. Performance is analyzed in the areas of design and styling flexibility (including precolored and painted TPO), as well as cost performance. Competitive comparisons to RIM, RRIM and PC/PBT blends are made. World trends for TPO are presented with U.S. projections. The summary includes an outlook for the future.