🧩 TPV – Thermoplastic Vulcanizate
(Elastic, resistant and weldable material, used in flexible automotive parts, gaskets, protections and components requiring permanent elasticity)
🔹 What is TPV
TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) is a thermoplastic elastomer obtained by blending polypropylene (PP) with vulcanized EPDM rubber in a finely dispersed phase.
The result is a material that is highly elastic yet processable like plastic, combining the advantages of rubber (EPDM) with those of polypropylene (PP). TPV maintains its elasticity even at negative temperatures and resists oils, water, ozone, and UV, making it frequent in flexible and watertight automotive parts.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – 40–60 %
- Vulcanized EPDM – 30–50 %
- Additives – UV stabilizers, antioxidants, lubricants, carbon black pigment.
- Density: 0.95–1.05 g/cm³.
- Melting Point (PP): ≈ 160–170 °C.
- Elastic Range: −50 °C to +130 °C.
🚗 Where TPV is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body Gaskets | Door profiles, windows, caps | Permanent elasticity, excellent sealing |
| Protections & Caps | Corners, guards, boots | Flexible, UV and shock resistant |
| Engine Compartment | Gaskets, pipes, covers | Resists oils and high temperatures |
| Car Interior | Sleeves, buttons, soft-touch trims | Soft, pleasant tactile finish |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 260 – 280 °C | Weldable, but requires slow heating |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Good for straight parts and gaskets |
| Manual Extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Recommended for thick materials |
🔩 What to Weld TPV With (Material Compatibility)
The question “what to weld TPV with” is common in repairs of gaskets and flexible housings. TPV, being olefinic (PP+EPDM), is compatible with TPO, PP+EPDM, and PP-TPO materials.
✅ Compatible:
- TPV ↔ TPV – ideal combination.
- TPV ↔ TPO / PP+EPDM / PP-TPO – very good compatibility.
- TPV ↔ PP / PP+PE – partial (superficial bonding).
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – different polarity, uneven melting.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use TPO or PP+EPDM rods at a temperature of 275–285 °C. Heat gradually without burning the shiny outer layer. Constant pressure and controlled hot air flow ensure an elastic, pore-free joint.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- ExxonMobil: Santoprene®
- Mitsui Chemicals: Zetpol™ TPV
- LyondellBasell: Hostacom® TPV
- Teknor Apex: Sarlink® TPV
- SABIC: Geolast™
🧠 How to Identify TPV
- Engraved marking: >TPV<, >PP+EPDM-V<, >PP-TPE-V< or >Santoprene<.
- Soft, elastic, slightly rubbery surface.
- Yellow-blue flame, faint smell of burnt rubber.
- Softens at 280 °C, without complete melting.
- Does not tear easily, stretches moderately and returns to shape.
🛠️ TPV Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional TPV welding for:
- gaskets, caps, corners, and flexible protections;
- repairing torn or deformed areas;
- elastic and aesthetic reinforcements;
- matte, soft finish with original resistance.