With the constantly emerging of new material technology, more and more new materials can be used by people. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are two new materials frequently used in industrial production. TPU and PVC are used in various ways, depending on the specific needs of different applications. Therefore, it is critical to understand the subtleties of TPU vs. PVC so that engineers can make brilliant decisions when choosing.
TPU, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane, is a class of polyurethane plastics that have proven to have exceptional properties. On the other hand, PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is a widely produced synthetic plastic polymer that ranks third in global plastic marketing, rankings only after polyethylene and polypropylene.
The main difference between TPU and PVC is their flexibility, durability, environmental impact, and processing characteristics.
Flexibility and Durability
TPU has a significant advantage in flexibility and is known for its high-level plasticity. With this characteristic, it is the best raw material for some products that require toughness and flexibility, such as mobile phone casings, shoes, medical equipment and even inflatable boats. In addition to this, TPU is also known for its excellent wear resistance and high load-bearing capacity.
PVC, by contrast, is usually rigid but can be made flexible by adding plasticizers. After adding flexibility, PVC can be used in various applications such as pipes, cable insulation, clothing and signage. However, adding plasticizers can compromise the overall durability and strength of the material.
The effect on the environment
One of the most critical differences between TPU and PVC is their impact on the environment, which even plays a decisive role in their application range. TPU is generally considered more environmentally friendly than PVC. That’s because TPU is recyclable, heat-stable, and doesn’t release harmful toxins when heated. However, it should be noted that not all TPU is biodegradable, and the TPU recycling process can be quite energy-intensive.
The production of PVC is more detrimental to the environment than TPU. Chlorine, in PVC production raw materials, is the main culprit for the formation of dioxins, an organic compound with strong biological toxicity. Additionally, phthalate, often used as a plasticizer to make flexible PVC, is a kind of compound that potentially negatively impacts human health and the environment. PVC is also not easy to recycle and releases toxic fumes when burned.
Processing Features
The TPU vs PVC debate also extends to their handling characteristics. There are many TPU processing techniques, including injection molding, extrusion molding and blow molding, so its application range is wider. In addition, its melt-processing characteristics allow manufacturers to have greater freedom in design, and designers can use TPU to realize more creativity.
In contrast, the processing method of PVC is relatively simple, because excessive heating during its processing will cause the material to decompose and release harmful gaseous chlorine, so its processing process needs to be strictly monitored. PVC, on the other hand, is relatively easy to process by methods such as extrusion and injection molding, and can be easily bonded with solvents or adhesives.
In conclusion, the choice between TPU and PVC depends largely on the specific application requirements. Due to its flexibility, durability and relatively low environmental impact, TPU is often the first choice for applications requiring high performance. However, despite its negative environmental impact, PVC still occupies a large proportion in the market due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of processing.
Both materials are still being improved as technology and environmental awareness advance. The debate between TPU and PVC is still going on. In any case, when manufacturers make a choice between these two materials, they should fully consider the performance requirements, the environmental impact and process requirements.