🧩 TPV+PP – Vulcanized Elastomer + Polypropylene
(Semi-rigid and weldable hybrid material, used in car bumpers, caps, and gaskets, combining TPV elasticity with PP rigidity)
🔹 What is TPV+PP
TPV+PP is an olefinic compound consisting of TPV (vulcanized PP+EPDM elastomer) blended with pure polypropylene (PP), resulting in a semi-elastic, resistant, and dimensionally stable material.
It is more rigid than standard TPV but retains a portion of its elasticity and impact resistance, making it ideal for car bumpers, caps, guards, and exterior gaskets. The material perfectly combines PP hardness with vulcanized EPDM elasticity, maintaining good thermal processability and weldability.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – 50–70 %
- TPV (Vulcanized PP+EPDM) – 30–50 %
- Additives – UV stabilizers, lubricants, coupling agents, carbon black pigment.
- Density: ≈ 0.95 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: ≈ 165–175 °C.
🚗 Where TPV+PP is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body Exterior | Bumpers, caps, guards, liners | Rigid but flexible, UV resistant |
| Technical Interior | Gaskets, covers, panels | Soft surface, pleasant tactile feel |
| Aftermarket | Accessories, flexible elements | Can be thermoformed and welded |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temperature | Observations |
| Hot Air | 270 – 290 °C | Homogeneous melting, bubble-free |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | Ideal for flat areas |
| Manual Extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Recommended for long cracks |
🔩 What to Weld TPV+PP With (Material Compatibility)
The question “what to weld TPV+PP with” often arises during repairs of bumpers and car covers. Being olefinic, it is compatible with TPO, PP+EPDM, PP+TPO, and TPV.
✅ Compatible:
- TPV+PP ↔ TPV+PP – ideal combination.
- TPV+PP ↔ TPV / TPO / PP+EPDM / PP-TPO – very good compatibility.
- TPV+PP ↔ PP / PP+PE – partial compatibility.
❌ Incompatible:
- ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – polar structure, no adhesion.
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use TPO or PP+EPDM rods at a temperature of 280 °C. Clean the oxidized layer and heat the area uniformly. For joints exposed to vibrations, apply two successive layers of rod for maximum durability.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- ExxonMobil: Santoprene® PP-Blend
- Borealis: Daplen® TPV/PP
- LyondellBasell: Hostacom® TPV+PP
- SABIC: Geolast™ PP-TPO
- Hyundai EP: Polytron® TPV-PP
🧠 How to Identify TPV+PP
- Engraved marking: >TPV+PP<, >PP/EPDM-V<, >PP-TPE-V<, >PP+TPV<.
- Semi-matte surface, soft but firm to the touch.
- Yellow-blue flame, faint smell of burnt rubber.
- Softens at 280 °C, without complete melting.
- Stretches slightly, returns to shape, does not crack when bent.
🛠️ TPV+PP Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional TPV+PP welding for:
- flexible bumpers, caps, spoilers, and protections;
- OEM aesthetic repairs and reconstructions;
- restoring original elasticity and solid, durable joints.