🧩 POE – Polyolefin Elastomer
(Flexible and weldable material used in car bumpers, caps, and gaskets where moderate elasticity and high mechanical resistance are required)
🔹 What is POE
POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) is a modern olefinic elastomer obtained by the copolymerization of ethylene and an alpha-olefin (e.g., octene, hexene).
It is a soft, elastic, and easily processable material that combines the flexibility of rubber with the processability of polyolefins (PP/PE). In the automotive industry, POE is used in bumpers, caps, gaskets, and flexible exterior parts due to its stable behavior under impact, temperature, and UV exposure.
🔧 Composition
- Ethylene (PE) – main base.
- α-olefin (octene / hexene) – for elasticity.
- Additives – UV stabilizers, antioxidants, anti-static agents.
- Density: 0.86–0.90 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 120–130 °C.
- Elasticity: up to 600% elongation at break.
🚗 Where POE is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Exterior Body | Bumpers, caps, liners | Good elasticity, easy to weld |
| Gaskets & Protections | Corners, boots, watertight caps | Shock and UV resistant |
| Interior / Panels | Vibration absorption zones | Soft texture, anti-noise |
| Industrial / Aftermarket | Flexible housings and accessories | Durable, does not crack in cold |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 260 – 280 °C | Uniform weld, slow melting |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for flat joints |
| Manual Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Recommended for thick materials |
🔩 What to Weld POE With (Material Compatibility)
Being an olefinic material, POE is compatible with PP, TPO, TPV, and PE, all from the polyolefin family.
✅ Compatible:
- POE ↔ POE – ideal combination.
- POE ↔ TPO / PP+EPDM / TPV / PP+TPO – very good compatibility.
- POE ↔ PP / PE / PP+PE – partial compatibility (superficial bonding).
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – different polarity, will not thermally adhere.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use TPO or PP+EPDM rods at a temperature of 275–285 °C. Heat slowly to avoid burning the soft surface. For uniform elasticity, apply a thin weld layer with constant pressure.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Dow: Engage™ POE
- Mitsui Chemicals: Tafmer™ POE
- ExxonMobil: Exact™ POE
- SABIC: Elastomeric POE
- LyondellBasell: Softell® / PolyMirae™
🧠 How to Identify POE
- Engraved marking: >POE<, >TPO-E<, >PP/PE-E<, or >OLEFIN-E<.
- Soft, rubbery surface, low gloss.
- Yellow-blue flame, faint paraffin smell.
- Softens at ≈ 270 °C, without bubbles.
- Returns to original shape after deformation.
🛠️ POE Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional POE welding for:
- flexible bumpers, caps, gaskets, and protections;
- aesthetic and functional restorations;
- repairs without loss of elasticity;
- uniform, soft, and durable finish.