Materials
Our Primary Material
Thermoplastic vulcanizates are the critical blend components for most of our extrusions.
About TPV
TPV is a polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer.
It is a dynamically vulcanized (fully cured) EPDM in a matrix of polypropylene.
TPV allows our seals to perform like thermoset rubber, recycle like plastic, and benefit from qualities unique to itself.
- Recyclable and more environmentally friendly
- Reliable supply chain
- Light weight (20% lighter than EPDM)
- Slipcoating available
- Co- and tri-extrudable
- Dense or Sponge Extrusions
- TPV hardness range: SHORE 25 A ~ SHORE 75 D
- Consistent material blends
- Colorable
- Excellent UV and Ozone resistance
Sustainability
Thermosets like EPDM and silicone cannot be reshaped once they have been extruded. Most thermoset scrap ends up in a landfill.
TPV, fortunately, is fully recyclable. Reed recycles and reclaims 100% of its production scrap.
Sustainability and safety of TPV
TPV vs EPDM
TPV vs EPDM
EPDM tends to get harder and less flexible when exposed to long-term weathering. This causes them to lose much of their elongation.
In cold conditions, TPV’s generally remain closer to their original hardness while EPDM’s tend to get harder.
TPV vs EPDM
Hardness Change at -25°C
TPV vs EPDM
In the long term, TPV outperforms EPDM after heat aging in both compression set and stress relaxation.
TPV vs EPDM
Weathering Resistance
TPV vs PVC
Reed held dozens of TPV and PVC specimens in a heat aging chamber for 12 weeks at 100°C. The results were dramatic: the TPV specimens changed very little, but the PVC specimens shrank by nearly 10%, and became much harder and less elastic.
Of course, your seal may never see these temperatures, but the results do suggest how these two materials will perform at lower temperatures over an extended period of time.
