Si-TPV Plastic Additive and Polymer Modifier Solutions—Innovative Modified TPU Technology for EV Charging Cables and Hoses

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Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile material celebrated for its flexibility and durability, making it suitable for various industries. To further enhance TPU’s performance for specific applications, modifications are crucial.

Advancements in Material Science: SILIKE’s Si-TPV 3100 Series features a dynamic vulcanizate silicone-based elastomer that serves as both a plastic additive and a polymer modifier for TPU formulations.

As a silicone modifier, Si-TPV enhances processing and overall performance in TPU components. It provides key benefits, including anti-scratch and abrasion resistance, as well as non-stick surface properties. Notably, Si-TPV improves the soft-touch feel of TPU, achieving a matte surface.

By integrating Si-TPV, manufacturers can combine aesthetics with functionality effectively, and expand TPU’s applications in specific sectors such as flexible shower hoses and EV charging cables.

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Detail

The SILIKE Si-TPV 3100 Series is a dynamic vulcanized thermoplastic silicone-based elastomer, engineered through a specialized compatible technology that ensures silicone rubber is evenly dispersed in TPU as 2-3 micron particles under a microscope. This unique combination offers the strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance typical of thermoplastic elastomers while incorporating the desirable properties of silicone, such as softness, a silky feel, and resistance to UV light and chemicals. Importantly, these materials are recyclable and can be reused in traditional manufacturing processes.
The Si-TPV 3100 Series is designed specifically for soft-touch extrusion molding applications, exhibiting excellent abrasion and chemical resistance. It can be co-extruded with various thermoplastic engineering plastics, including PC, ABS, and PVC, without issues like precipitation or sticking after aging.
In addition to serving as a raw material, the Si-TPV 3100 Series acts as a polymer modifier and processing additive for thermoplastic elastomers and other polymers. It enhances elasticity, improves processing characteristics, and boosts surface properties. When blended with TPE or TPU, Si-TPV provides lasting surface smoothness and a pleasant tactile feel, while also improving scratch and abrasion resistance. It effectively reduces hardness without compromising mechanical properties, and it enhances aging, yellowing, and stain resistance, allowing for a desirable matte finish.
Unlike conventional silicone additives, Si-TPV is supplied in pellet form, making it easy to process like a thermoplastic. It disperses finely and uniformly throughout the polymer matrix, where the copolymer physically bonds to the matrix. This characteristic eliminates concerns about migration or "blooming," positioning Si-TPV as an effective and innovative solution for achieving silky-soft surfaces with a dry feel in TPU and other thermoplastic elastomers without requiring additional processing or coating steps.

Key Benefits

In TPU
1. Hardness reduction
2. Excellent haptics, dry silky touch, no blooming after long-term use
3. Provide the final TPU product with a matt effect surface
4. Extends the lifespan of TPU products

Durability Sustainability

Advanced solvent-free technology, without plasticizer, no softening oil, and odorless.
Environmental protection and recyclability.
Available in regulatory-compliant formulations.

Si-TPV plastic additive and polymer modifier Case Studies

The Si-TPV 3100 Series is characterized by its long-lasting skin-friendly soft touch and excellent stain resistance. Free from plasticizers and softeners, it ensures safety and performance without precipitation, even after prolonged use. This series is an effective plastic additive and polymer modifier, making it particularly suitable for enhancing TPU.

In addition to imparting a silky, pleasant feel, Si-TPV effectively reduces TPU hardness, achieving an optimal balance of comfort and functionality. It also contributes to a matte surface finish while providing durability and abrasion resistance, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.

Comparing the Effects of Si-TPV Plastic Additive and Polymer Modifier on TPU Performance

Application

Surface modification of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) tailors its characteristics for specific applications while maintaining bulk properties. Utilizing SILIKE's Si-TPV (dynamic vulcanized thermoplastic silicone-based elastomer) as an effective process additive and feel modifier for thermoplastic elastomers presents a practical solution.
Due to Si-TPV dynamic vulcanized thermoplastic silicone-based elastomer, provides several advantages, including a long-lasting, skin-friendly soft touch, excellent stain resistance, and the absence of plasticizers or softeners, which prevents precipitation over time.
As a silicone-based plastic additive and polymer modifier, Si-TPV reduces hardness and enhances flexibility, elasticity, and durability. Its incorporation yields a silky-soft, dry surface that meets user expectations for frequently handled or worn items, significantly expanding TPU's potential applications.
Si-TPV blends seamlessly into TPU formulations, exhibiting fewer undesirable side effects compared to conventional silicone products. This versatility of TPU compounds opens up opportunities in various sectors, including consumer goods, automotive parts, EV charging cables, medical devices, water pipes, hoses, and sports equipment—where comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal are essential.

Solutions:

What Manufacturers Need to Know About Modified TPU Technology and Innovative Material Solutions for EV Charging Pile Cables and Hoses！

1. Modified TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) Technology

The modification of TPU surfaces is crucial for developing materials that can maximize performance in specific applications. First, we need to understand TPU Hardness and Elasticity. TPU hardness refers to the material’s resistance to indentation or deformation under pressure. Higher hardness values indicate a more rigid material, while lower values indicate greater flexibility. Elasticity refers to the material’s ability to deform under stress and return to its original shape upon stress removal. Higher elasticity implies improved flexibility and resilience.

In recent years, the incorporation of silicone additives into TPU formulations has gained attention for achieving desired modifications. Silicone additives play a vital role in improving the processing characteristics and surface quality of TPU without detrimentally affecting the bulk properties. This occurs due to silicone molecules’ compatibility with the TPU matrix, acting as a softening agent and lubricant within the TPU structure. This allows for easier chain movement and decreased intermolecular forces, resulting in a softer and more flexible TPU with reduced hardness values.

Additionally, silicone additives act as processing aids, reducing friction and enabling smoother melt flow. This facilitates easier processing and extrusion of TPU, enhancing productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.

GENIOPLAST PELLET 345 Siliconmodifier has gained recognition as a valuable silicone additive in TPU applications. This silicone additive has extended the range of applications for thermoplastic polyurethanes. There is considerable demand in consumer goods, automotive, medical devices, water pipes, hoses, sports equipment handle grips, tools, and more sectors for molded TPU parts that have a pleasant comfortable feel and retain their looks upon protracted use.

Silike’s Si-TPV plastic additives and polymer modifiers offer equal performance to their counterparts at a reasonable price. Tests have demonstrated that Si-TPV as novel silicone additive alternatives are viable, safe, and eco-friendly in TPU applications and polymers.

This silicone-based additive enhances long-term surface smoothness and tactile feel while reducing flow marks and surface roughness. Notably, it lowers hardness without compromising mechanical properties; for instance, adding 20% Si-TPV 3100-65A to 85A TPU decreases hardness to 79.2A. Additionally, Si-TPV improves aging, yellowing, and stain resistance, and imparts a matte finish, significantly enhancing the aesthetic appeal of TPU components and finished products.

Si-TPV is processed like a thermoplastic. unlike conventional silicone additives, it disperses very finely and homogeneously throughout the polymer matrix. The copolymer becomes physically bound to the matrix. You don’t worry about leading to migration (low ‘blooming’ ) issues.

2. Modified TPU Compounds and Innovative Material Solutions for Hoses

Choosing the right materials for inner hoses and flexible shower hoses is essential for optimal performance, durability, and flexibility. TPU shower hoses, as a newer market entry, provide an excellent balance of rigidity and flexibility, allowing for easy maneuverability without kinking or tangling. They are also resistant to cracking, breaking, and leaks, contributing to a longer lifespan compared to traditional materials.

While TPU is known for its durability and versatility, it can still exhibit defects. Adjusting hardness and improving elasticity can enhance the performance of flexible shower hoses and other specific applications. For those seeking superior flexibility, rolling resistance, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, Si-TPV reinforced TPU hoses are an excellent choice. Si-TPV is an innovative silicone-based additive modifier that can be compounded with TPU and other materials to reduce hardness while increasing flexibility, elasticity, and durability in final products, such as hose materials.

Additionally, Si-TPV thermoplastic elastomer is a low-odor, plasticizer-free material that easily bonds with polar substrates like PC, ABS, and PA6. Its softness makes it ideal for flexible pipe connectors in bathroom and water systems, showcasing significant application potential.

For example, the shower head hose utilizes a soft, skin-friendly Si-TPV inner core, providing durability, high pressure and temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and flexibility without kinking, ensuring a long-lasting and comfortable shower experience. The waterproof nature of Si-TPV, along with its easy-to-clean properties, enhances its appeal.

Key Benefits of Si-TPV in Hose Applications:

● Kink-proof and watertight design

● Abrasion- and scratch-resistant

● Smooth, skin-friendly surface

● Extremely pressure-resistant, ensuring tensile strength

● Safe and easy to clean

In summary, modified TPU compounds, particularly those incorporating Si-TPV, offer advanced solutions for hose materials and pipe connectors in bathroom and water systems, that meet modern demands while enhancing the user experience.
3. Optimizing Electric Vehicle Charging System Cables: Effective Solutions with Modified TPU

To address the challenges of fast-changing pile cable tangling and wear and tear, incorporating Si-TPV (vulcanized thermoplastic silicone-based elastomers) into TPU formulations offers innovative solutions for enhancing the performance and durability of electric vehicle (EV) charging cables.

● Enhanced Surface Smoothness and Resistance:

Incorporating 6% Si-TPV improves the surface smoothness of TPU, significantly enhancing scratch and abrasion resistance. This modification results in surfaces that are more resistant to dust adhesion, providing a non-tacky feel that helps resist dirt accumulation.

● Improved Elasticity and Mechanical Properties:

Adding more than 10% Si-TPV to TPU formulations softens the material and enhances its elasticity. This modification not only contributes to better mechanical properties but also helps manufacturers create high-quality, resilient, and efficient fast-charging cables that withstand daily use.

● Soft Touch and Visual Appeal:

Integrating Si-TPV into TPU enhances the soft-touch feel of EV charging cables while achieving a visually appealing matte finish. This combination of tactile comfort and aesthetic durability meets consumer expectations for high-performance cables.

These solutions leverage the unique properties of Si-TPV to elevate the functionality and user experience of TPU-based EV charging system cables, ultimately empowering the electric vehicle industry with sustainable and innovative materials.
What is the secret to high performance on TPU?

Achieving high performance in Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) involves careful modification of the material. Striking a delicate balance between reduced hardness and enhanced abrasion resistance, along with other essential functions, is a multifaceted process. TPU manufacturers can optimize material properties by selecting appropriate blends, incorporating abrasion-resistant fillers, plasticizers, and softening agents, and precisely controlling extrusion parameters to meet the specific requirements of various applications.

By integrating Si-TPV into their formulations, manufacturers can significantly enhance TPU performance. This innovative plastic additive and polymer modifier improves critical properties such as softness, flexibility, durability, tactile feel, and surface finish. As a result, it expands the range of potential applications across multiple industries, allowing manufacturers to meet diverse performance demands effectively.

For effective strategies to improve TPU formulations from SILIKE, please contact us at amy.wang@silike.cn.