Thermoplastic sheets, sometimes interchangeable with thermoplastic elastomer, exhibit the best qualities of both rubber and plastic. An example of a thermoplastic elastomer is Santoprene, which includes EPDM and polypropylene components and capabilities. Once combined, the final product is a thermoplastic material hybrid that displays the best qualities of these two substances, which are high flexibility, reliable durability and low compression set. However, the most valuable quality of Santoprene sheets is it’s manufacturing and processing ease, which is similar to thermoplastics. This specific characteristic is precisely why manufacturers prefer this material to other elastomer products.

Monsanto Company first registered this hybrid product of EPDM rubber and polypropylene in 1977, but it is now a trademark for thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) owned by ExxonMobil, a multinational oil and gas corporation. According to ExxonMobil, Santoprene sheets is a high-performance elastomer that has the potential for reduced system costs and the possibility of sustainability benefits for automotive and challenging industrial applications. As mentioned earlier, the processing ease of this thermoplastic material provides manufacturers with flexibility and consistent durability, which in turn, enables it to be easily reprocessed and remolded if necessary. Also, it is this specific feature that allows for design and production freedom that thermosets cannot provide.

Taking from its plastic component, this thermoplastic material demonstrates dependable durability in extreme temperature conditions. Santoprene can handle transient temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and continuous temperatures up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature resistance of Santoprene can be compared to that of EPDM rubber compounds. Santoprene products are processed in much the same way as any type of plastic; the difference is that it possesses the same levels of flexibility and durability that are commonly found in other natural rubber compounds. Also, the plastic characteristics of thermoplastic sheets are its resolute tensile and tear strength. For specifications on tensile and tear strength, please refer to the Spec Guide on our Rubber-Cal website or view our Industrial Sheet Rubber Catalogue. In addition to all these beneficial qualities, Santoprene has excellent chemical, fluid, ozone and weathering resistance. Furthermore, it possesses dynamic anti-fatigue capabilities.

The processing procedure of this class of polymers is also important to grasp because it is the primary feature as to why manufacturers prefer these thermoplastic sheets over others ones. These very characteristics pay off in quick and efficient processing times, resulting in lowered overhead costs. Moreover, this is a completely recyclable product. All of the pieces that are scrapped during the manufacturing process of this thermoplastic sheets can be 100% recycled and made into new products, which makes it an effective contribution in reducing overall waste in manufacturing. Another added benefit its reduced weight since it is not a thermoset compound. Santoprene has a unique combination of heat and fluid resistance that makes it suitable for a broad range of applications, such as gaskets or seals in the automotive industry. ExxonMobil has even claimed that this substance offers a sealing solution that is not only durable, but also attractive to a variety of market sectors, including: automotive, construction, electrical, household appliance and healthcare. This marks a major breakthrough for thermoplastic material. These qualities make the elastomer suited for the needs of many functions that would have previously only been met by vulcanized thermoset rubbers.

At Rubber-Cal, this thermoplastic elastomer made from EPDM rubber and polypropylene crossbreed is always stocked in popular gauges. We offer two types of texture for this product, block texture and smooth texture. It is available in only black. Custom cuts are also available upon request. For custom cuts, we can do a laser, die or water-jet cut.

These are just a few of the abundant qualities that Santoprene sheets possess. Heat resistant thermoplastic sheets can hardly be beat by its other counterparts. With good heat, fluid, and chemical resistances in addition to a low compression set, good tensile strength, and recyclability, this elastomer is the natural choice for a multitude of uses. Again, the ease of this thermoplastic material processing makes it an even sweeter deal since it can increase efficiency and cost effectiveness in the long run. There is certainly no question about whether or not this elastomer is practical, it fits the bill for any purpose!