Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has revolutionized the textile and industrial materials markets with its versatility and durability.

Rivertex, as a leader in innovative textile solutions, supplies a range of TPU-coated fabrics and TPU films tailored to meet diverse industry needs. We pride ourselves on providing TPU-coated fabrics and films that meet the highest standards of quality and innovation

Here, we explore key characteristics of TPU—focusing on the distinctions between ester- and ether-based variants, hardness, weldability, and their respective application areas.

Ester vs. Ether TPU
The choice between ester-based and ether-based TPU primarily hinges on performance requirements and environmental exposure:

Polyester (Ester) based TPU:

• Strength and Abrasion Resistance: Ester-based TPU is known for its exceptional mechanical properties, including higher tensile strength and superior abrasion resistance. These qualities make it ideal for demanding applications.
• Hydrolysis Sensitivity: A drawback of ester-based TPU is its vulnerability to hydrolysis (degradation when exposed to moisture). Prolonged exposure to water or high humidity environments can reduce its lifespan.
• Applications: Ester-based TPU is widely used in high-performance applications such as conveyor belts, inflatable structures, and certain protective coatings.

Poly-ether (Ether) based TPU:

• Hydrolysis Resistance: Ether-based TPU is more resistant to water and humidity, making it suitable for prolonged exposure to wet environments.
• Chemical Resistance: It also demonstrates better resistance to microbial growth, which is critical in medical and hygienic applications.
• Applications: Typical uses include marine textiles, medical devices, and outdoor equipment exposed to varying environmental conditions.

Hardness and its Influence
The hardness of TPU is typically measured on the Shore A or Shore D scale, reflecting the material's rigidity or flexibility. This parameter significantly influences performance and application:

• Softer Grades (Shore A): Softer TPU grades offer excellent flexibility and elasticity, making them ideal for inflatable structures, wearables, and medical films.
• Harder Grades (Shore D): Harder TPU grades provide enhanced strength and wear resistance, commonly used in industrial fabrics, automotive components, and protective gear.

Rivertex’s range includes TPUs tailored to specific hardness requirements, ensuring optimal performance across diverse use cases.

Weldability
One of TPU’s standout features is its weldability. Both ester- and ether-based TPUs can be welded using methods such as high-frequency (HF) welding and hot air welding. This property enables seamless joins that maintain the material’s strength and waterproofing integrity, which is essential for applications such as inflatables, protective garments, and airtight containers.
Rivertex ensures that our TPU-coated fabrics and films exhibit excellent weldability, providing clients with the capability to create reliable, durable, cohesive products.

Application Areas

TPU-coated fabrics and TPU films are used across a multitude of industries due to their outstanding properties:
 

• Medical: Ether-based TPU is preferred for medical devices, hospital mattresses, and hygienic covers due to its resistance to microbial growth and hydrolysis.
• Marine: Both ester- and ether-based TPUs find applications in life saving -and marine leisure inflatables depending on environmental exposure and performance requirements.
• Protective Equipment: TPU-coated fabrics offer protective solutions for military and safety garments, thanks to their weldability, flexibility, and resistance to harsh environments.
• Industrial: Ester-based TPU excels in industrial belts, protective coatings, and automotive interiors, where strength and abrasion resistance are paramount.
• Structures & tents: Ether-based TPUs find applications in inflatable tents and shelters depending on environmental exposure and performance requirements.

Our expertise in tailoring solutions for specific industries ensures that our clients can leverage the unique properties of TPU—whether it’s the strength of ester-based TPU or the hydrolysis resistance of ether-based TPU.

Whether you are designing advanced medical devices, durable outdoor equipment, or high-performance industrial textiles, Rivertex is here to support your journey with superior materials and technical expertise. Contact us today to learn more about our TPU product range.