🧩 TPU+BIO – Bio-based Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Starch)
(Elastic thermoplastic material (TPU) partially derived from natural starch or bio-renewable polyols. It combines rubber-like elasticity, the mechanical strength of synthetic TPU, and the sustainability of biodegradable materials.)
🔹 What is TPU+BIO
Bio-based TPU is a thermoplastic polyurethane where a portion of the polyester or polyether chains are derived from starch, glucose, or vegetable oils. At ReplastMD, we treat this as a high-performance eco-material: it is functionally identical to conventional TPU but offers a 30-70% lower carbon footprint. It is fully weldable, recyclable, and compatible with standard industrial processes.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Polymer Base: Bio-based Thermoplastic Polyurethane.
- Bio Content: 25–70 % (starch/sugar/plant-based).
- Density: 1.10 – 1.23 g/cm³.
- Hardness (Shore A/D): 70 A – 60 D.
- Operating Range: –40 °C to +120 °C.
- Chemical Resistance: Good (water, vegetable oils, detergents).
🚗 Where TPU+BIO is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Flexible Hoses | Bio-fuel, water, air lines | Resists vegetable oils and pressure |
| Dynamic Gaskets | Rings, bellows, dampers | Elastic and abrasion resistant |
| Aesthetic Elements | Inserts, covers, clips | Glossy finish, naturally colorable |
| ECO Auto Parts | Panels, protectors, accessories | Sustainable variant of conventional TPU |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Compatibility | Observations |
| Hot Air | ✅ Excellent | 230 – 250 °C; clear melt, no bubbles |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | ✅ Very Good | 230 – 245 °C; uniform bonding |
| Manual Extrusion | ✅ Recommended | 240 – 255 °C; compatible TPU rod |
| Ultrasonic | ✅ Possible | For thin technical parts |
🔩 Material Compatibility
- ✅ Compatible: TPU, TPU+BIO, Pearlthane, Desmopan, Elastollan – Excellent.
- ⚠️ Partial: PA, PC, PBT (with polyurethane primer).
- ❌ Incompatible: PP, PE, PTFE, POM, PVC – different melting points, no adhesion.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: TPU+BIO welds exceptionally well with hot air at ≈ 245 °C. For optimal results, ensure surfaces are clean and maintain constant pressure during the cooling phase.
🧠 How to Identify TPU+BIO
- Glossy appearance, soft to the touch, elastic but dense.
- Color: Translucent, cream, or natural yellowish/matte.
- ReplastMD practical test: Emits a faint sweet scent (bioplastic/sugar) when heated.
- Common markings: >TPU<, >BIO-TPU<, >ECO TPU<, >PEARLTHANE ECO<.
🛠️ TPU+BIO Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional welding for bio-based TPU hoses, bellows, and gaskets. We ensure a clear, glossy, and airtight joint — plastic as good as new and ecologically sound.