Rubber vs TPE: When to Select What?

When you work with elastomers, material selection is often the most critical step and you must get it right to avoid product failure. But despite very different and unique properties, the two elastomeric materials (Rubber and TPE) can look and feel similar. Don’t let the limited availability of comparative information make you select the wrong elastomer for your application… Join this course and:

1. Gain in-depth understanding of the structural and compositional differences between Rubbers and TPEs


2. Select most suited elastomer depending on the application conditions to achieve desired properties (high flexibility, wide temperature range, good chemical resistance…)


3. Optimize your product performance and avoid unnecessary product failure by better understanding the key characteristics of elastomeric materials

Get a participation certificate on joining the Live Online Course!

• Material Engineers, Designers, Quality Engineers working with Elastomers
• Elastomeric material manufacturers

Complete the course and (unlock your personalized certificate) – your badge of accomplishment awaits!

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The following sections will be covered during this course:

1. Overview of Elastomeric Materials


2. The Structure of TPEs and Rubber – A Comparison and Contrast


3. Rubber Materials
• Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
• Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
• Chloroprene Rubber (CR)
• Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM)
• Epichlorohydrin Rubber (CO, ECO)
• Fluoroelastomers (FKM, FPM)
• Silicone Rubber (Q)
• Polyurethane Rubber (PUR)


4. TPE Materials
• Styrenic block copolymers (SBC)
• Polyolefin blends (TPO)
• Elastomeric alloys (TPV)
• Thermoplastic urethanes (TPU)
• Thermoplastic copolyester (COPE)
• Thermoplastic polyamide (PEBA)


5. Properties – Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Type
• Mechanical
• Thermal
• Chemical


6. Processing


7. Applications – Where is there overlap – Where are there difference
• Seals, o-rings, gaskets
• Tires
• Hoses
• Belts
• Electrical insulation
• Gripping surfaces
• Toys and recreation
• Medical devices
• Housewares


8. Material Selection


9. Material Specification


10. 30 mins Q&A – Ask your questions directly to the expert!

Have a query? Email us for any help!