Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) can be broadly categorized into two types: general-purpose TPEs and engineering TPEs. To date, the field has evolved to encompass over 10 major categories and more than 30 distinct varieties. Since the initial discovery of polyurethane-based TPEs by Germany's Bayer in 1938-followed by the development of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer TPEs by the U.S. companies Phillips and Shell in 1963 and 1965, and the commencement of mass production of olefin-based TPEs by the U.S., Europe, and Japan in the 1970s-technological innovation has been ceaseless. New TPE varieties have continuously emerged, forming the vast and complex TPE landscape we see today and marking a significant stride forward in the integration and convergence of the rubber and plastics industries.
The TPEs currently produced on an industrial scale worldwide include: styrene-based types (SBS, SIS, SEBS, SEPS), olefin-based types (TPO, TPV), diene-based types (TPB, TPI), vinyl chloride-based types (TPVC, TCPE), urethane-based types (TPU), ester-based types (TPEE), amide-based types (TPAE), fluoropolymer-based types (TPF), silicone-based types, and ethylene-based types, among others. This comprehensive range covers virtually every sector within the modern synthetic rubber and synthetic resin industries.