🧩 TPE-GreenFlex – Ecological Thermoplastic Elastomer
(Ecological thermoplastic material developed under the GreenFlex® brand, based on TPE-O and TPE-V modified with epoxidized vegetable oils. It features excellent mechanical properties, enhanced UV resistance, and full compatibility with PP / TPO / TPE-V.)
🔹 What is TPE-GreenFlex
TPE-GreenFlex is a new generation of eco-friendly elastomers designed to replace petro-based TPEs. At ReplastMD, we treat this material as a high-performance bio-alternative. Its matrix consists of a thermoplastic olefin modified with vegetable-based plasticizers, resulting in a soft, weldable, and UV-stable material that is 100% recyclable.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Base Phase: Bio-modified TPE-O / TPE-V.
- Plasticizers: Epoxidized vegetable oils (castor, sunflower, rapeseed).
- Density: 0.90 – 1.05 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: 180 – 220 °C.
- Continuous Operating Temp: –40 °C to +120 °C.
- Bio Content: 20–60% renewable sources.
🚗 Where TPE-GreenFlex is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Eco-gaskets | Doors, trunk, covers | UV resistance + high elasticity |
| Soft-touch Interior | Handles, buttons, consoles | Soft surface, neutral scent |
| Bellows & Boots | Brakes, steering, suspension | Elasticity and vibration resistance |
| Bi-material Inserts | Overmolded PP components | Perfect compatibility with PP |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | 230 – 250 °C | Clean, elastic weld |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 220 – 240 °C | Uniform bonding, bubble-free |
| Manual Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | Use TPE-O or GreenFlex® rods |
| Ultrasonic | — | Possible for thin sections |
🔩 Material Compatibility
- ✅ Compatible: GreenFlex®, TPE-O, TPE-V, PP, TPO.
- ⚠️ Partial: TPE-BIO, TPE-S-Bio (good adhesion).
- ❌ Incompatible: PA, PC, POM, PVC, PET (different polarities).
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: For TPE-GreenFlex welding, use hot air at 240 °C with compatible rods. Maintain constant pressure and ensure slow cooling—bio-oil segments may melt faster than classic TPE, requiring precise heat control.
🧠 How to Identify TPE-GreenFlex
- Soft, rubbery texture with low gloss.
- Neutral or vegetable scent (no hydrocarbon smell) when heated.
- Colors: Natural (cream-white), gray, olive-green, or matte black.
- ReplastMD practical test: If the material is soft, has an organic scent, and welds perfectly at 240 °C with a >GREENFLEX< marking, it’s confirmed.
🛠️ TPE-GreenFlex Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional welding for GreenFlex® and other bio-TPO materials. We use Leister equipment to ensure clean, smoke-free, and flexible repairs — plastic as good as new.