Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomers

(Polyether-ester Block Copolymers)

Properties and Applications

Thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPC-ET) are high performance, high-temperature copolyester elastomers (COPE) consisting of a hard crystalline polyester block and a long-chain soft amorphous block with very low glass transition temperature. TPC-ETs combine the properties of both thermoplastics and thermoset rubbers. These high-performance engineering materials possess excellent (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. The properties can be adjusted over a wide range by altering the ratio and type of hard to soft segments.¹ Like ordinary thermoplastics, TPC-ETs can be easily processed on conventional, high-volume injection molding and extrusion equipment.

TPC-ET are widely used in the automotive, appliance, electrical, consumer, textile and building & construction industries. Important applications include carpets, clothing, flexible tubing, first-aid bandages, diaper/hygiene articles, flat wiper blades, corrugated tubes, surgical gowns, to name only a few.

Manufacturers & Distributors

¹Typical hard and soft segments are polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG), respectively. These copolymers combine the excellent properties of high-performance elastomers with those of polyester plastics.