Types of Thermoplastic Elastomers

TPE materials are categorized into thermoplastic olefin (TPO), thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), styrene block copolymer (SBC), polyether block amide (PEBA), and copolyester (COPE) - [1]. This is a study of recycling rubber powder with plastics to make rubbery plastics.
- Thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) - Rubber blends with plastic - [2]. Thermoplastic is better as it is recyclable. Thermoplastic natural rubber is a blend of natural rubber and thermoplastic. All kinds of mixes of rubbers with thermoplastics are possible - providing the advatages of both materials in one. Toughness and flex of rubbers, with thermoplasticity (recyclability) of thermoplastics.
- Thermoplastic vulcanizate - mix of EPDM in popypropylene - [3]
- Thermoplastic olefins - thermoplastic, filler, thermoset rubber blends.
- Copolyester - once again, blend of rubber and polyster. Hytrel is an example - gasket or seal material. [4]

Notes on Tires

Air free tires - Bridgestone - [5]
Recycled rubber can be mixed with thermoplastics or TPEs to extend the thermoplastic by giving it more rubber properties.
Flat-free bike tires from TPE - [6] & [7]
TPU tire - [8]
TPE made from HDPE and ground tires with compatibilizer - [9]