Thermoplastic Polyamide Elastomers

Copolyamide Elastomers (COPAs)

Properties and Applications

Polyamide block copolymers (COPAs) are high-performance, light-weight thermoplastic elastomers based on polyester-amide (PEA), polyether-esteramide (PEEA), or polyether-amide (PEBA) block copolymers. The polyamide portion forms the hard (thermoplastic) domains, while the polyester, polyether-ester or polyether blocks form the soft elastomeric matrix.
COPAs offer one of the best combination of performance and processability among thermoplastic elastomers. They have a relative high service temperature due to the strong hydrogen-bonding amide domains which results in low creep, good heat aging, and improved solvent resistance. The commercially most important polyamide elastomers are polyether-amide block copolymers (PEBA). These elastomers possess outstanding (low temperature) flexibility and flex fatigue along with good resistance to weathering, chemicals, wear and heat which are far better than those of conventional rubber making these elastomer an excellent choice for applications requiring high durability after cyclic loading at varying temperatures and in various chemical environments. For even more demanding applications, COPAs are often glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced which improves strength and rigidity.

Like ordinary thermoplastics, COPAs can be easily processed on conventional high-volume plastic processing equipment including precission injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and extrusion equipment.

COPAs are widely used in the sport and leisure goods industry. Important applications include outsoles, alpine ski boots, goggles, tennis rackets, bike handles and more. In the medical industry, thermoplastic polyamide elastomers are used for medical devices requiring good flexibility, breathability, and sterilization resistance. COPAs are also used in various household goods including handles for screwdrivers, kitchen tools and knifes.

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