🧩 TEO – Thermoplastic Olefinic Elastomer
(Flexible olefinic material from the TPO/TPE-O family, based on ethylene and propylene copolymers, designed for elastic automotive parts requiring impact resistance, flexibility, and UV stability)
🔹 What is TEO
TEO (Thermoplastic Elastomer Olefin) is a copolymer of PP and EPDM, featuring elastomeric properties with thermoplastic processability. It has a low density (~0.9 g/cm³), excellent impact resistance (even in cold conditions), and high stability against UV rays and atmospheric agents.
It belongs to the TPO / TPE-O / PP-EPDM family, and these materials are often interchangeable. In the automotive industry, TEO is valued for its soft yet durable behavior.
🔧 Composition
| Component | Typical Proportion | Role |
| PP (Polypropylene) | 50–70 % | Rigid matrix, provides shape |
| EPDM (Rubber) | 20–40 % | Elasticity and flexibility |
| Additives (UV, pigments) | < 5 % | Protection and color |
| Talc / Fillers | optional 10–20 % | Stiffening and matting |
🚗 Automotive Applications
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Bumpers and Casings | Bumper corners, spoilers, sensor mounts | Flexible, matte, UV resistant |
| Wheel Arch Liners | Lower guards, fender liners | Dampens vibrations |
| Exterior Caps | Mirrors, sills, corner trims | Matte appearance, easy to paint |
| Gaskets / Decorative Protections | Moldings, flexible profiles | Soft, anti-noise properties |
🔩 Welding Compatibility
| Mating Material | Compatibility | Observations |
| TPO, TPE-O, PP-EPDM, PP-TD20 | ✅ Excellent | Easy to weld – same family |
| Simple PP | ⚠️ Fair | Possible, but rigid – risk of cracking |
| TPE-S, TPE-E | ⚠️ Limited | Partially weldable |
| PA, PC, PVC, ABS, PET | ❌ Incompatible | Thermally incompatible |
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- LyondellBasell: Softell® / Hostacom® TEO
- Borealis AG: Daplen® TEO / TPO
- SABIC: PP-TEO Compounds
- ExxonMobil Chemical: Santoprene™ TPO / TEO
🧠 How to Identify
- Markings: >TEO<, >TPO<, >TPE-O<, >PP-EPDM<
- Texture: Soft, slightly rubbery, matte or semi-matte appearance
- Features: Low density, flexible even in cold temperatures
- Flame Test: Clean flame, faint olefin smell, no dense smoke
🛠️ TEO Welding at ReplastMD
| Method | Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 220 – 250 °C | Ideal – TPO / PP-EPDM / TEO rod |
| Heat plate (Mirror) | 200 – 220 °C | Clean, uniform bonding |
| Extrusion | 220 – 240 °C | Recommended for thick areas |
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: use TPO or PP-EPDM welding rods, clean with isopropyl alcohol, apply controlled hot air and constant pressure.