TPO

Thermoplastic olefin. These are typically physical blends of rubber and olefin (such as PE) [1] . For example, EPDM powder can be mixed with PP and PE, and we have rubber properties with melt processability of polyolefins.

See 2.5.1 - on C-TPO - conventional - or physical blend [2]

Rubber Types

Here is a tree of all rubber types [3]

TPE vs TPR

• Thermoplastic elastomer is made from SEBS, while thermoplastic rubber is made from SBS. [4]. TPR is what we want more for tires [5] due to its higher grip.
• TPS is one of the Thermoplastic Styrenes, either SBS or SEBS.
  • It appears TPR=TPS=Thermoplastic Rubber=Thermoplastic Styrenes

Sourcing

• Bumper regrind - 36 cents/lb. [6]
• TPO pellets - 41 cents - [7]

Links

• TPU Sources