Having spent over a decade in the plastics and elastomer industry, I’ve worked with countless material combinations, helping manufacturers craft everything from durable packaging to flexible consumer goods. One question that pops up frequently, especially among those looking to tweak material properties or cut costs, is whether PE (Polyethylene) and TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) can be […]

As someone who’s spent years experimenting with polymer blends in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, and construction, I’ve heard this question pop up repeatedly: “Can TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) replace traditional toughening agents like MBS or ASA for ABS?” It’s a smart query—ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a workhorse material, but its brittleness under impact or low

Having spent over 15 years in the plastics and elastomer industry, I’ve worked with manufacturers across sectors like automotive, consumer goods, and footwear, helping them tweak materials to meet specific needs. One question that often comes up when modifying TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) is whether blending it with PS (Polystyrene) can boost its hardness. It’s a

Having spent nearly two decades navigating the world of thermoplastics and elastomers, I’ve worked with manufacturers, designers, and engineers to solve all sorts of material challenges. One issue that comes up frequently, especially for products exposed to sunlight or harsh environments, is yellowing. If you’re working with TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber), you might be wondering: Can

As someone who’s spent over a decade tinkering with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and polymer blends in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, I’ve encountered this question countless times: “Can TPR and POE be mixed, and if so, how?” This isn’t just a theoretical query—it’s a practical challenge faced by engineers trying to balance cost, performance,

As someone who’s been immersed in the plastics and elastomer industry for over 15 years, I’ve worked with countless materials, from rigid thermoplastics to flexible rubbers, helping manufacturers and designers bring their products to life. One question that pops up regularly, especially from those working on innovative product designs, is whether TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and

Having spent over a decade in the plastics manufacturing world, I’ve seen my fair share of quirks and challenges with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). These soft, rubber-like materials are a go-to for everything from phone cases to medical grips, thanks to their flexibility and pleasant feel. But one issue that’s tripped up many a production line—and

In the field of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) processing, a challenge that operators often face is handling the high toughness of TPE pellets, which makes them difficult to cut during the pelletizing process. If not handled properly, this problem can disrupt the production process, reduce efficiency, and even cause equipment damage. As someone who has been

Over my twelve years in the manufacturing and materials processing industry, I’ve tackled countless challenges in joining dissimilar materials. One question that keeps surfacing, whether I’m consulting for automotive suppliers or troubleshooting in a production line, is how to effectively bond aluminum alloy and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It’s a tricky task—aluminum is a lightweight, rigid

A common challenge in thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) manufacturing is the tendency of finished TPEs to stick. This can be a frustrating problem, especially when it leads to inefficient production, damaged products, or unhappy customers. As someone who has been involved in the TPE industry for many years, I’m excited to share some insights and practical