Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Introduction
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a type of polymer that belongs to the family of thermoplastic elastomers. It is a versatile material that is known for its high durability, flexibility, and resistance to oils, greases, and abrasion.
TPU is produced by combining a diisocyanate (a type of organic compound) with a polyol (a type of alcohol). The resulting material can be melted and re-melted repeatedly, making it ideal for use in injection molding and extrusion processes.
TPU is commonly used in a wide range of applications, including in the manufacture of footwear, sports equipment, automotive parts, medical devices, and consumer electronics. It is also often used as a coating material, as it can provide a protective layer that is both flexible and durable.
One of the key advantages of Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is its ability to be formulated to achieve a wide range of physical properties, such as hardness, elasticity, and resistance to chemicals. This makes it a highly versatile material that can be tailored to meet specific application requirements.