Thermoplastic Vulcanisates (TPV)
properties
Dryflex TPV compounds are composed of a highly vulcanised rubber phase dispersed throughout a thermoplastic matrix and combine the processing ease, efficiency and recyclability of a thermoplastic with the improved flexibility, low compression set and resistance to aggressive fluids of a vulcanised rubber.
They have seen strong growth in automotive seals, pipe seals, and other applications where a heat resistance of up to 135°C is required. Hardness values range typically from 45 Shore A to 50 Shore D. TPVs also lend themselves to underbonnet automotive applications where improved temperature and oil resistance is required.
Our aim is to supply a material that precisely matches application requirements. We are constantly testing new polymers, additives, stabilisers and other ingredients to create unique material combinations. We have engineered several Dryflex TPV series to suit different applications, with properties including flow characteristics, hardness, specific gravity, strength resistance and colour.
TPV With Recycled Content
We offer customised TPV materials with recycled content. The recyclate source is PCR (Post Consumer Recyclate), including recycled PP from end-of-life vehicles. Other sources include household plastic waste.
Circular TPVs are available with amounts of recycled content up to 28% (as defined in ISO 15343 section 4). Heat ageing, oil resistance and viscosity tests have been carried out. Dryflex Circular TPVs offer a broad service temperature range from -50 to +135 °C
Biobased TPV
Our Biobased TPV materials contain a percentage of raw materials from renewable resources such as plant and vegetable crops. They help to decrease the use of virgin fossil resources. Materials are available in hardnesses 65 to 85 Shore A with amounts of biobased content up to around 25% (ASTM D 6866)
Mass Balance TPV
We’re ISCC PLUS certified, allowing us to offer bio, circular and/or bio–circular attributed TPE and TPV materials via the mass balance approach. The mass balance versions of our TPVs will provide a drop-in alternative for customers. The technical properties, chemical composition, and regulatory status will be the same as the corresponding fossil grade
The biobased, circular and mass balance TPV materials can be processed on standard thermoplastic equipment, such as injection moulding and extrusion. They also offer superior bonding to polyolefins in multi-component processing. They can be recycled in closed-loop systems.
The Dryflex TPV range offers:
- A wide range of hardness’
- Grades that can be processed by injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding and thermoforming
- Service temperatures of -60°C to 135°C
- Improved resistance to aggressive fluids such as oils, acids, bases and aqueous solutions
- Low compression set
- Low flex fatigue
- The Dryflex XL grades are easier to colour
- Lightweight parts
- Design flexibility
- Recyclability in closed-loop systems
- Excellent weathering and environmental resistance
- Grades available to bond to PA, PP and PE in multi-component applications
- Biobased, Circular TPV and Mass Balance
Our TPV experts
Caj Karlsson
Key Account Manager/Sales Coordinator, HEXPOL TPE AB
Dryflex TPV Product Guide
TPE Processing Guide
FAQS
“TPV” is thermoplastic vulcanizate, a subset of the thermoplastic elastomer “TPE” family. The difference is the “vulcanizate”: the materials contain miniscule, vulcanised rubber particles dispersed in a thermoplastic. This provides physical properties closer to that of a traditional vulcanised rubber while keeping the processing of a thermoplastic.
TPV is used where superior physical properties are required over TPE, for example due to: continuous or repeated stress, dynamic sealing requirements, oil and chemical exposure or extended high temperatures.
Common examples include automotive hoses, fittings and grommets; industrial tool handles and grips; various dynamic and static seals or gaskets.
As a thermoplastic material, TPV is fully recyclable in closed loop systems. All scrap and offcuts can be re-blended into the original material with little impact on performance. Open-loop post-use recycling falls under recycling code 07 “Other” and is not yet supported.
TPV processes as a shear thinning thermoplastic (i.e. it processes similarly to our TPE range). This means the long cycle times and hot curing of traditional vulcanised rubbers are not needed, reducing processing cost. Unlike thermosets, any scrap or offcuts can also be re-chipped and recycled in the production process, reducing costs and waste further.
TPV is fully vulcanised when it leaves HEXPOL, no further vulcanisation occurs during processing by injection moulding, extruding etc. The vulcanisation process can leave the compound with an aromatic chemical odour which may be evident when processing it further.
Yes! Our standard Dryflex XL TPV range is a bright natural colour and easily pigmented. Our Dryflex V and VE ranges are darker but will still look great with darker colours.
The Dryflex TPV range will handle prolonged contact with warm oils, soaps, antifreeze, and brief contact with fuels or solvents. The Dryflex V and VE lines will resist 100°C oils, while HNBR has greater fuel resistance and even 150°C oil resistance. NBR TPV offers a great option at lower temperatures for low swell in both fuel and oil.
We have options for all processing types. Just like our TPS-based materials, we can tailor them to your process. Whether it’s a multi-cavity injection tool or a complex extruded profile, we can make a grade to suit.
We are researching how to match the cleanliness and safety of our current food-grade TPE with TPV, but it is not ready yet and won’t be until we are 100% sure it’s up to our standards.
Ask our medical team about the Mediprene TPEs instead!
We recommend our TPV for non-cabin use due to the potential for odour and fogging. We designed specialist low-fogging, low-odour TPE just for this purpose!
TPV offers improvements in flex fatigue, resilience and deformation or set – this gives it a more “rubbery” feel and performance versus a TPE. It also boasts higher temperature and chemical resistance: it’s perfect for tool grips, industrial or automotive grommets and fittings.
Unstressed TPVs can handle up to 125°C. However, our Dryflex V or VE lines can reach 135°C and the HNBR line up to 150°C!
TPV offers a middle ground between TPE and thermoset rubber, as low as 35% set at 100°C (at medium hardness)
