Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile polymer known for its elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion. Its unique properties make it a popular choice in various industries, from medical devices to consumer electronics. However, understanding the safety aspects of TPU is crucial for its effective and responsible application.
What Is TPU?
TPU is short for thermoplastic elastomer, a material that has the properties of both rubber and plastic. The polyaddition reaction of diisocyanates with diols leads to a flexible and durable material. TPU can be processed using conventional methods such as TPU injection molding and extrusion, rendering it versatile for various manufacturing requirements.
Key Properties:
- Hardness Range: 60A–80D (Shore scale)
- Temperature Resistance: -40°C to 120°C
- Elongation: 300–700%
The Composition of TPU
The primary components of TPU include:
- Diisocyanates: These are responsible for the rigidity of the polymer chain.
- Polyols (polyether or polyester-based): They provide flexibility and elasticity.
- Chain extenders: Short-chain diols that modify the hardness and mechanical properties of the TPU.
This provides versatility to TPU, which can be adapted by changing the ratios of these components to give a particular application hardness, elasticity, and other properties.
Material Safety:
- No BPA/Phthalates: Unlike PVC, TPU avoids endocrine-disrupting additives.
- REACH Compliant: Meets EU standards for chemical safety.
TPU Plastics Manufacturing Process
TPU is manufactured in several processing stages:
- Polyaddition Reaction: Diisocyanates react to polyols to produce prepolymers
- Chain Exyemsion: The prepolymers are reacted with chain extenders to obtain the desired molecular weight and properties.
- Compounding: The TPU produced is then cooled down and processed into pellets for easier handling and processing.
- Energy Use: 80–100 MJ/kg (lower than silicone’s 150 MJ/kg).
This enables fine-tuning of the material’s properties to produce the desired characteristics with high precision and replicability in the resulting product.
Is TPU Safe for Food?
TPU is indeed rated as safe for food contact applications. It does not contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde and plasticizers, which allows it to be used in food packaging and kitchen utensils. Because TPU does not emit harmful substances when processed this way, human health is protected from potential chemical hazards.
FDA Compliance:
- 21 CFR 177.1680: Approved for food-contact applications.
- Conditions: Avoid temperatures >100°C to prevent degradation.
Applications:
- Reusable food pouches, baby bottle nipples.
- Leaching Tests: <0.01 ppm heavy metals (FDA limit: 0.1 ppm).
Why TPU Could Be The Best Material In The Medical Industry
This also makes TPU a great choice for medical applications, where biocompatibility and elasticity are paramount. It finds wide utility with applications in medical devices like catheters, surgical instruments, and tubing. It can also endure sterilization techniques without degrading, so it does not compromise patients’ health, prolonging the life of treatment devices.
The Environmental Impact of TPU Plastics
TPU is recognized for its environmental friendliness:
- Recyclability: TPU materials are very recyclable, and the waste produced in this process can be recycled and reused, reducing the problem of environmental pollution.
- Degradability: TPU exhibits greater degradability than many traditional plastic materials under certain conditions, thus minimizing its long-term pollution of soil and water sources.
- Compliance with Environmental Regulations: Many TPU materials products comply with strict environmental regulations, such as the EU’s REACH regulations and RoHS directive, ensuring that their production and use have minimal environmental impact.
| Factor | TPU | PVC |
| Recyclability | Mechanically recyclable | Rarely recycled |
| Biodegradability | No (but recyclable) | No |
| Carbon Footprint | 3.2 kg CO2/kg | 5.8 kg CO2/kg |
Is TPU Safe for Human Health?
Extensive studies have shown that TPU is non-toxic and safe for human health. It does not contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, latex, or Bisphenol A (BPA), making it suitable for direct skin contact applications, such as wearable devices and medical equipment. Its hypoallergenic properties further enhance its suitability for sensitive applications.
- Skin Contact: Non-irritating (OECD 439 certified).
- Inhalation Risk: Minimal VOCs at <120°C processing.
- Toxicity: LD50 >2,000 mg/kg (classified as non-toxic).
Regulatory and Standardization of TPU for Its Secure Use
Several regulations and standards have been set to maintain TPU’s safe usage:
- ISO 10993: In China, medical-grade TPU products must conform to ISO 10993 production standards before being used.
- FDA(Food and Drug Administration) Compliance: TPU-based materials can only be used in food contact applications in the United States if they comply with FDA regulations, as such materials in contact with food must not pose a potential health risk.
By complying with these criteria, TPU materials products can be assured safe for the intended uses and pose no danger to consumers or patients.
TPE vs. TPU: Safety Comparison
Both Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) and Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) are considered safe materials, but they have distinct characteristics:
| Property | TPE | TPU |
| Hardness Range | 0A to 100A | 60A to 70D |
| Flexibility | Softer and more flexible | More rigid but offers better load-bearing capacity |
| Chemical Resistance | Less resistant to abrasion, grease, oils, chemicals, and extreme temperatures | More resistant to abrasion, grease, oils, chemicals, and extreme temperatures |
| Applications | Suitable for products requiring softness and flexibility (e.g., toys, grips) | Ideal for high-performance applications requiring durability (e.g., industrial components) |
Regarding safety, both materials are non-toxic and comply with environmental regulations. The choice between TPE and TPU depends on the application’s specific requirements.
Best Use For:
TPU: Medical devices, automotive seals.
TPE: Consumer goods, soft-grip handles.
Cost of TPU Materials in Injection Molding
The cost of TPU materials in injection molding depends on several factors, including material grade, processing requirements, and production volume. Here’s a breakdown of cost considerations:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
| Raw Material Cost | Higher than standard plastics but varies by grade |
| Processing Complexity | Requires precise temperature and pressure control |
| Tooling Costs | Mold design affects cost efficiency |
| Production Volume | Larger volumes reduce per-unit costs |
While TPU is more expensive than some traditional plastics, its durability, flexibility, and safety make it a cost-effective choice in long-term applications.
- Material Cost: 3–8/lb(medical−grade:3–8/lb(medical−grade:10–15/lb).
- Mold Cost: 20,000–20,000–50,000 (complex geometries).
- Cycle Time: 30–60 seconds (faster than silicone).
Savings Tip: Use gas-assisted molding to reduce material use by 15%.
Common Applications of TPU
TPU has valuable properties that make it suitable for various industries:
| Industry | Use Case | Benefit |
| Automotive | CVJ boots, seals | Oil resistance, durability |
| Footwear | Shoe soles | Cushioning, abrasion resistance |
| Electronics | Phone cases | Shock absorption, clarity |
| Medical | Tubing, catheters | Biocompatibility, flexibility |
- Consumer Electronics: Phone case protector, smartwatch band, laptop cover.
- Footwear: High-performance shoes and insoles because of TPU’s cushioning and durability.
- Automotive: Gaskets, seals, and interior parts must be flexible and wear-resistant.
- Key Applications: Conveyor belts, seals, and impact-resistant parts.
- Medical Equipment: Catheters, tubing, wearable medical devices (TPU offers biocompatibility).
Conclusion
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): a versatile, flexible, durable, and safe material. It is a common material for food packaging, medical applications, consumer goods, and industrial components. It is recognized as safe for human health and in harmony with international safety laws, making it a great tool that works for many industries.
TPU vs. TPE: TPU will be stronger and more resistant to wear and tear; TPU is typically a safer and less toxic material than TPE, so think of them as very similar, with TPU being more for higher performance stuff. Also, despite TPU often being the more expensive option for injection molders, considering its long-term benefits, it is worth the price increase.
Manufacturers and product designers still turn to TPU, a safe, high-performance material.
