TPE and Silicone Compared for Product Designers

Basically, a comparison between thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and silicone rubbers or silicone elastomers is like comparing apples and pears, where there are only a few similarities at the end of the day. Similarly, TPE and silicone are mostly soft, elastic materials with similar haptic properties, but differ fundamentally in their chemical composition. 
TPEs are thermoplastic elastomers and silicones belong to the group of elastomers. This leads to considerable differences in processing, technical product properties, aspects of sustainability and ultimately the areas of application. 
Magdalena Michl, Product Manager EMEA, explains the special features of the two materials in this blog post.

TPE and Silicone Compared for Product Designers

When choosing between thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and silicone rubber, it is important to understand the strengths of each material. I have put together a very general comparison for you. Please note, however, that there are always exceptions to every rule - even here:

• Manufacturing and Sustainability: TPEs offer versatile modification options, are recyclable and can be made from sustainable raw materials. In addition, TPEs generally have a lower carbon footprint than silicones.

   

• Processing: TPEs can be processed by injection molding and extrusion, and can be used in multi-component processes due to their adhesion to various thermoplastics. They offer a very wide processing window. TPEs provide finished parts directly from the mold, while processed silicone often requires additional post-treatment.

   

• Application: A key feature of crosslinked silicones is their high elasticity over a wide temperature range (up to 250°C), even under high alternating mechanical loads. This is due to their covalently bonded 3D network, which also makes them highly resistant to chemicals, UV and weathering. Elastic baking pans and dosing hoses in the food and chemical industries, for example, benefit from this property profile. TPEs, on the other hand, dominate in a wide range of multi-component applications, from interior and exterior automotive applications to consumer goods, toys and sporting goods, where flexibility in formulation and processability are very important.

In summary, each solution has its strengths and the decision must always be made individually depending on the final application. Due to the different USPs of the materials, applications can usually be clearly defined. In overlapping applications where alternatives can be weighed, it is advisable to consult a product expert.

If you are interested in more details, facts and figures, look out for our upcoming white paper on this topic.