Desmoflex® glass-reinforced TPU for repeat-use applications

Products that are used repeatedly, like the handles on trains, busses and power tools, or the housings of electronics, construction and forestry equipment, are engineered for constant use. The material solution must offer a good grip with a dry feel, while at the same time withstanding wear, vibrations and exposure to grease and oil. 

Thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU meets many of these requirements. The material offering inherent resistance to impact (even at low temperatures),, chemicals, abrasion and wear.. 

Desmoflex® rigid TPU compounds developed by our partner Teknor Apex, uses fiber reinforcement and other additives to increase the stiffness and strength of TPU while maintaining its benefits. These compounded material solutions bridge the gap between thermoplastic polyurethane and engineering thermoplastics. 

The challenge was to achieve an optimal balance of satisfying the performance requirements while ensuring smooth processability.  This was achieved via formulation and compounding expertise combined with process optimization support. It is important to ensure that the fiber reinforcement is dispersed well within the TPU polymer matrix.  

Polymer compound raw materials require special treatment, and even special screw designs are often adopted. The compounds also typically demand a wide processing window that allows production flexibility and the gentle treatment of TPU. 

Desmoflex® TPU compounds are glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyurethanes specifically engineered for enhanced strength, rigidity and toughness. At the same time, they retain all the advantages of TPU, from impact, chemical and abrasion resistance to performance over a wide temperature range. 

These innovative Desmoflex® TPU compounds bridge the gap between neat TPU and engineering thermoplastics. These grades were developed using our Desmopan® ester TPUs.

Desmoflex® rigid TPU compounds can be ether or ester based and contain 20-30% glass fiber reinforcement available from 55 to 75 Shore D in black, natural, or custom colors. These materials are suitable for both injection molding and extrusion applications, demonstrating their processing versatility in a variety of industries.  

In addition, Desmoflex® rigid TPUs yield a high-quality surface that offers abrasion resistance and enhanced easy haptics for a good grip, with the added benefit of vibration dampening. 

Desmoflex® can be customized upon request, including the use of including ether or aliphatic base resins with varying levels of fiber content to meet specific needs.

Glass reinforced Desmoflex® TPU compounds are an excellent choice for handle and housing applications that must stand up to repeated use and constant handling. From electronics casings to the handles on power tools or public transportation, Desmoflex® rigid TPU compounds can replace engineering resins, with added benefits such as vibration dampening and dry haptics for a good, comfortable grip.