🧩 TPO+PP – Thermoplastic Olefin with Polypropylene
(Semi-rigid and weldable hybrid material, used in car bumpers, caps, and exterior elements where a balance between elasticity and rigidity is required)
🔹 What is TPO+PP
TPO+PP is an olefinic blend based on TPO (PP+EPDM) with additional polypropylene (PP) added to increase rigidity and dimensional stability. This results in a material harder than simple TPO but still elastic and impact-resistant, ideal for car bumpers, fairings, and covers. It is one of the most widely used combinations in modern OEM parts, as it combines the flexibility of EPDM rubber with the hardness of PP.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – 50–70 %
- EPDM (Synthetic Rubber) – 10–30 %
- PE / olefinic additives – for thermal balance and gloss
- Additives – UV stabilizers, anti-static agents
- Density: 0.90–0.94 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ≈ 165–175 °C
🚗 Where TPO+PP is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body / Exterior | Bumpers, mirror caps, spoilers | Medium elasticity, impact resistance |
| Technical Interior | Panels, covers, gaskets | Lightweight, weldable, and UV stable |
| Engine Compartment | Protections, housings | Good thermal resistance |
| Aftermarket | OEM flexible parts, accessories | Easy to recondition and weld |
🔧 Welding temperatures and methods
| Method | Optimal temperature | Observations |
| Hot air | 270 – 290 °C | Standard method in the shop |
| Heat plate (mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | For flat and aesthetic joints |
| Manual extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for cracks and corners |
🔩 What to weld TPO+PP with (Material compatibility)
“What to weld TPO+PP with” is a very frequent question, especially for modern bumpers. The material is compatible with all olefinic blends based on PP and EPDM.
✅ Compatible:
- TPO+PP ↔ TPO+PP – ideal combination.
- TPO+PP ↔ TPO / PP+EPDM / PP-TPO / PP+T20 – very good compatibility.
- TPO+PP ↔ PP+PE / PP+EPDM+TD20 – partially compatible.
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – polar structures, no adhesion.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use TPO or PP+EPDM rods at a temperature of 280 °C. Clean the oxidized area with a fine knife and heat slowly until uniform melting. For thick corners, apply a double layer of rod for full strength.
🏭 Manufacturers and trade names
- Borealis: Daplen® PP/TPO
- LyondellBasell: Hostacom® TPO+PP
- SABIC: PP-TPO Compound
- ExxonMobil: Vistalon® PP-EPDM
🧠 How to identify TPO+PP
- Engraved marking: >TPO+PP<, >PP/EPDM<, >PP-TPO<, >PP+TPO<.
- Semi-matte surface, slightly flexible but resistant.
- Yellow-blue flame, faint paraffin smell.
- Softens uniformly at 280 °C, without bubbles.
- Floats completely in water (density < 1 g/cm³).
🛠️ TPO+PP Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional TPO+PP welding for:
- bumpers, spoilers, fairings, and OEM covers;
- repairing mounts, corners, and deformed areas;
- mechanical reinforcement and perfect aesthetic finishing.