Soft Yet Strong: How TPEs Revolutionize Comfort and Protection in Damping Applications

The use of soft, highly elastic materials has always played an important role in applications with a damping function. In addition to foamed polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are often used as a material.

In this LinkedIn newsletter, Marius Kantoch , Market Manager Consumer at KRAIBURG TPE, discusses the properties that are crucial for applications in this market. He also explains why the use of TPS is becoming increasingly important in this market.

If this is your first time reading the newsletter, you can learn a little more about KRAIBURG TPE and what we do by clicking here!

Soft materials in damping applications

In addition to the use of foamed polyurethanes (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), the use of TPS as a damping material has recently increased significantly. The reasons for this are, first of all, the excellent processing properties that TPS offer. These can also be transferred to complex geometries, where the wider processing window of TPS can be a decisive factor for the manufacturer - all the more so when it comes to cycle time-oriented mass production, e.g. for the sports and leisure sector. In addition, the recyclability of TPE enables complete in-process recycling, among other things.

Wide temperature range with consistently high performance

Regardless of the base material, covering a wide temperature range has often been a limiting factor for the use of cushioning materials. Especially at temperatures below freezing, many materials quickly become stiff and brittle, resulting in reduced breaking strength. Finding a solution that meets the associated requirements both at sub-zero temperatures and at high ambient temperatures has so far proved to be a challenge for development departments.

KRAIBURG TPE offers TPE with damping properties that can provide advantages in a significantly extended temperature range. This applies to higher outdoor temperatures of up to 40°C and extends into cold areas of down to -20°C. This means that the intended protective effect can be achieved throughout the year or season, e.g. also when used for winter sports activities.

All requirements of the higher protection level 2 are met

A particular advantage is that not only the robustness of the material is retained, but also the required flexibility and functionality. This is demonstrated by the excellent values that these TPEs achieve over the corresponding temperature range in the area of shock and vibration damping as well as impact resistance. They meet all the requirements of the higher protection level (Level 2) specified in EN 1621-1:2012. This is awarded if the average residual force from an impact of 50 J does not exceed 20 kilonewtons (kN), or 30 kN for single impacts. Values of 35 kN and 50 kN for the residual force of single impacts apply for the lower protection level.

The combination of excellent damping and the corresponding application properties applies to a hardness range of 30-70 ShA. In addition, the special qualities that already characterize the existing damping elastomer series from KRAIBURG TPE - for use as protectors, sportswear or protective clothing, for example - are added: a special wearing comfort combined with an equally pleasant surface feel and a minimal weight in relation to the surface area.

Make sure you never miss an issue by clicking the "Subscribe" button in the upper right corner of the page. For more articles, tips, and insight, connect with KRAIBURG TPE on LinkedIn!