Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is divided into polyether-based TPU and polyester-based TPU, depending on the type of long-chain diol used in synthesis. Their structural differences lead to distinct performance, processing characteristics and application ranges.

1. Molecular Structure & Raw Material

• Polyether TPU: Made from polyether polyol (main chain contains ether bond -O-).
• Polyester TPU: Made from polyester polyol (main chain contains ester group -COO-).

2. Key Performance Comparison

Polyether TPU

1. Excellent hydrolysis resistance: Ether bonds are stable against water, hardly hydrolyze under humid or aqueous environment.
2. Good low-temperature flexibility: Low glass transition temperature, keeps soft and tough at low temperatures.
3. Superior microbial resistance / anti-fungal property, not easy to be corroded by microbes.
4. Lower oil resistance and abrasion resistance compared with polyester TPU.
5. Lower density, lighter weight.
6. Better resistance to acid and weak alkali.

Polyester TPU

1. Outstanding abrasion resistance, high mechanical strength, high tensile strength and tear strength.
2. Excellent oil resistance, solvent resistance.
3. Good anti-aging performance under dry conditions.
4. Weak hydrolysis resistance: Ester bonds tend to break in hot, humid environment, resulting in material degradation, cracking and strength drop.
5. Poor low-temperature toughness, easy to turn brittle in cold environment.
6. Vulnerable to microbial erosion.

3. Typical Applications

Polyether TPU

Hydraulic hoses, waterproof membranes, underwater parts, cable sheaths, snowfield accessories, medical tubes, food contact parts, products used in high-humidity environments, 3D printing filaments requiring hydrolysis stability.

Polyester TPU

Industrial belts, wear-resistant rollers, footwear soles, mechanical seals, oil pipes, automotive parts, elastic films, products requiring high wear resistance and oil resistance under dry working conditions.

4. Summary

Choose polyether TPU if your product needs hydrolysis resistance, low-temperature toughness and wet environment stability. Choose polyester TPU if your product prioritizes high abrasion resistance, mechanical strength and oil resistance in dry conditions.