New TEEE Elastomers Meet IATF 16949 Standards for Highperformance Applications
For decades, manufacturers have struggled with the limitations of traditional materials - the processing challenges and lifespan limitations of rubber, or the insufficient flexibility of engineering plastics. Now, a groundbreaking solution has emerged that combines the best properties of both worlds: TEEE (Thermoplastic Polyether Ester Elastomer).
TEEE: A Revolutionary Fusion of Rubber and Plastic
TEEE represents a remarkable breakthrough in polymer technology. At its core, it's an ingenious block copolymer that combines:
- Polyester "hard segments" that provide crystalline strength and structural integrity
- Polyether or polyester "soft segments" that deliver exceptional elasticity and amorphous characteristics
This unique molecular architecture gives TEEE materials their dual personality:
- Rubber-like flexibility: The soft segments allow the material to stretch and recover like rubber, absorbing impacts and vibrations with ease.
- Plastic-like strength: The hard segments provide engineering plastic-level structural integrity, with crystalline regions acting as physical cross-links that resist creep and deformation.
SUNPRENE® TEEE: Setting the Benchmark for High-Performance Materials
Among TEEE materials, SUNPRENE® stands out as a leader in performance and reliability. Its exceptional properties make it ideal for demanding applications across multiple industries.
Unmatched Mechanical Properties
- Structural strength with toughness: Maintains integrity under extreme loads, preventing fractures and failures.
- Superior creep resistance: Resists permanent deformation even under prolonged stress or high temperatures.
- Outstanding impact and abrasion resistance: Withstands accidental impacts and continuous surface wear, significantly extending product lifespan.
- Excellent flex fatigue resistance: Performs reliably in dynamic applications with repeated bending and flexing.
- Exceptional resilience: Quickly returns to its original shape after deformation.
Broad Temperature Adaptability
- Low-temperature flexibility: Remains pliable down to -50°C without becoming brittle.
- High-temperature stability: Maintains performance up to +180°C, suitable for engine compartments and other high-heat environments.
- Wide operating range: The -50°C to +180°C range covers nearly all industrial requirements.
Exceptional Chemical Resistance
Resists degradation from oils, solvents, and industrial chemicals, making it ideal for automotive and petrochemical applications.
Superior Processing Characteristics
- Excellent melt strength for stable processing in injection molding and extrusion
- High dimensional stability in finished products
IATF 16949 Certification: Assurance of Quality
SUNPRENE® TEEE materials meet the rigorous IATF 16949 automotive quality management standards, ensuring consistent quality, traceability, and reliability - particularly crucial for automotive components.
Performance Specifications
| Physical Property | Unit | Test Method | H2525 | H3030 | H3035 | H4040 | H2040 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore Hardness (3S) | HD(3S) | ISO868 | 26 | 31 | 35 | 39 | 40 |
| Density | g/cm³ | ISO1183 | 1.10 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.12 | 1.12 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ISO527-1 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 26 | 30 |
| Elongation at Break | % | ISO527-1 | 1200 | 1000 | 1000 | 900 | 900 |
Applications
SUNPRENE® TEEE materials are transforming industries with their exceptional performance characteristics:
- Automotive: Seals, vibration dampers, boots, hoses, interior components, and wire/cable sheathing
- Industrial Equipment: Seals, hydraulic/pneumatic components, conveyor belts, pump impellers, valves
- Electronics: Connectors, cable sheathing, insulation materials
- Consumer Products: Sports equipment, tool handles, footwear
This innovative material represents a significant advancement in polymer technology, offering manufacturers unprecedented flexibility in product design while meeting the most demanding performance requirements.
