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Many elastic polymeric materials become harder when cooled. Lowering the temperature reduces the elasticity of polymer chains and may lead to crystallisation or a glass transition of the polymer phase. The softeners used in TPEs are also prone to hardening at extremely low temperatures. However, unlike soft PVC plastics, the increase in TPE hardness at low temperatures is not as pronounced. Due to the optimal formulation of TPE, the “stiffening” of the material at sub-zero temperatures can be significantly reduced.
Within our range of TPEs, there are grades that outperform EPDM rubbers in terms of hardness increase dynamics as the temperature decreases. For example, certain grades designed for automotive carpets, cable insulation, and seals show a hardness increase of only 16 Shore A units when the temperature drops from +23°C to -45°C. Low-quality grades of TPE contain cheap oils and excessive amounts of plasticisers, which lead to severe hardening of products at sub-zero temperatures.
