Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) play a crucial role in preventing water penetration, which is essential for combating rust, decay, and prolonging the lifespan of cars. Water leakage into a car’s trunk or cabin is a significant concern that prompts immediate investigation into its source. Typically, water can seep into the car cabin through:
- Gaps between doors and the body
- Around windows
- Around the sunroof
To prevent this, black strips known as weather strips are installed around doors and windows, serving as effective barriers against water entry.
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) are the preferred raw materials for producing various types of gaskets, strips, and automotive tapes. These strips not only block water from entering the car cabin but also play a crucial role in isolating the cabin from external noise and atmospheric conditions.
While selecting the appropriate grade of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) for manufacturing these strips, it’s important to consider multiple parameters beyond just the hardness of the final product. Critical parameters include:
- Resistance to UV, heat, and weathering in general
- Color stability to maintain the desired appearance
- Tear resistance to ensure longevity and durability
- Crush resistance to withstand external pressures
- Compression set to accommodate various conditions
- Processability and process stability for efficient manufacturing
By taking these additional parameters into account, manufacturers can ensure that their TPE-based weather strips not only prevent water penetration but also contribute to the overall performance, comfort, and longevity of cars.
To enhance the performance of automotive weather strips, manufacturers add antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and flame retardants to Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs). These additives improve material longevity, protect against UV degradation, and meet safety standards. TPEs can also be customized with varying hardness levels to ensure reliable sealing and durability throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
Additionally, TPE weather strips offer excellent flexibility, allowing them to maintain an effective seal even in extreme temperatures. This adaptability ensures that the strips continue to perform reliably under both hot and cold conditions, providing long-term protection against water, dust, and noise intrusion.