🧩 TPE-Kraton – Eco-friendly Styrenic Elastomer (Kraton® BioRenew)
(Premium elastomeric material produced by Kraton Polymers, based on SEBS/SIS styrenic copolymers and epoxidized vegetable oils. The BioRenew™ series contains up to 70% bio-renewable carbon, offering high elasticity, UV stability, and excellent weldability.)
🔹 What is TPE-Kraton
TPE-Kraton is a high-quality styrenic elastomer (TPE-S) where the soft phase is partially derived from plant-based resources. At ReplastMD, we treat Kraton as the “benchmark” for interior soft-touch components. It combines the legendary durability and softness of SEBS with a reduced environmental footprint, maintaining full compatibility with standard TPE-S and PP substrates.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Rigid Phase: Styrene (SBS / SEBS).
- Flex Phase: Bio-hydrogenated elastomer / vegetable oils.
- Density: 0.88 – 1.05 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: 190 – 230 °C.
- Operating Range: –50 °C to +110 °C.
- Chemical Resistance: Good (water, alcohol, light oils).
🚗 Where TPE-Kraton is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Soft-touch Interior | Handles, buttons, covers | Premium soft texture, odorless |
| Flexible Gaskets | Door, trunk, and roof seals | Constant elasticity, high UV resistance |
| Protective Boots | Brakes, steering, suspension | Mechanical strength and aging resistance |
| Overmolding on PP | Bi-material injection parts | Perfect compatibility with PP/TPO |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | 230 – 250 °C | Clean weld, smoke-free |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 220 – 240 °C | Uniform, glossy bonding |
| Manual Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | Use Kraton® or TPE-S compatible rods |
| Ultrasonic | — | Possible for thin sections |
🔩 Material Compatibility
- ✅ Compatible: TPE-Kraton, TPE-S, SEBS, SBS, Kraton® BioRenew™.
- ⚠️ Partial: PP, TPO, TPE-O, TPE-BIO (good adhesion).
- ❌ Incompatible: PA, PC, POM, PVC, PET (different polarities).
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: For TPE-Kraton welding, we recommend hot air at 240 °C with TPE-S or Kraton® rods. Bio-renewable zones may melt faster — avoid overheating to maintain surface clarity and texture.
🧠 How to Identify TPE-Kraton
- Rubbery texture with a satin gloss; neutral or faint organic scent.
- High elasticity with slow deformation recovery.
- ReplastMD practical test: If the part is elastic, odorless, and welds easily at 240 °C with a >KRATON< marking, it’s Kraton® BioRenew™.
- Common markings: >KRATON<, >BIORENEW<, >SEBS<, >TPE-S<.
🛠️ TPE-Kraton Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional welding for Kraton® / BioRenew™ components. Using industrial Leister tools, we restore premium soft-touch parts to their original state — plastic as good as new.