TEFABLOC™

Definition

TEFABLOC™ is a proprietary family of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds from Mitsubishi Chemical Group (Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers, MCPP). It is engineered as a rubber alternative that delivers rubber-like elasticity and soft-touch feel while processing like a thermoplastic. The portfolio spans mainly styrenic block copolymer TPEs (TPE‑S, typically SEBS/SBS) and polyolefinic TPEs (TPE‑O/TPO), with regional or application-specific series that include thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) and other specialty elastomers.

Key properties and functions (grade-dependent)

  • Elastomeric behavior without vulcanization: high elasticity, resilience, and elastic recovery; tailored compression set.
  • Hardness range: from very soft (approx. Shore A 0–20) to semi‑rigid (extending into Shore D for certain grades).
  • Thermal performance: typical service temperatures from about −40 °C up to 100–120 °C for SEBS-based grades; TPV and specialty grades can extend heat resistance.
  • Chemical and media resistance: options with resistance to automotive fluids (oils, greases, fuels), detergents, coolants, and moisture; SEBS-based grades offer good UV/ozone/weathering stability.
  • Multi-material adhesion: designed for overmolding and co-processing; standard adhesion to polyolefins (PP/PE) and, in dedicated adhesion packages, to polar substrates such as PC/ABS, ABS, PA, PBT, PETG, PMMA and related blends.
  • Processability: injection molding, extrusion, co-extrusion, and blow molding; suitable rheology for thin-wall parts and complex geometries; recyclable as a thermoplastic within the manufacturing stream (e.g., regrind/reprocess).
  • Surface and aesthetics: natural translucency to opaque black, matte to glossy finishes; easy to color and compatible with masterbatching; tactile, non-slip surfaces achievable.
  • Electrical and flame-retardant options: electrically insulating grades and FR formulations available for cable, connector, and device components (specific approvals are grade-specific).
  • Emissions and regulatory: low-odor/low-VOC/fogging options for interior use; halogen-free offerings; compliance options for REACH, RoHS, and selected food/skin-contact requirements; OEM-homologated grades available in some regions.
  • Sustainability: series available with bio-based content and/or post-industrial/post-consumer recycled content to reduce embodied carbon.

Relevance

By combining rubber-like performance with thermoplastic processing, TEFABLOC enables lighter parts, shorter cycle times, design freedom (e.g., two-shot overmolding), and simplified recycling versus thermoset rubbers. It is widely used across automotive (interior, exterior, sealing, glazing, cable and connector components), consumer goods (soft grips, wearables, appliance components), building and construction (window/door seals, gaskets), and electrical/electronics (cable jacketing, overmolded housings) where a durable soft-touch, sealing, or vibration-damping function is needed.

Typical applications

  • Automotive: soft-touch interior trim and controls, bin mats, gaiters/boots, IP/console overmolds, door and window seals, glass run channels, glass encapsulation, exterior trim overmolds, grommets, bellows, NVH pads, cable jacketing and connector boots.
  • Electrical/electronics: wire and cable insulation/sheathing, overmolded strain reliefs, device gaskets and housings, protective covers.
  • Building/appliances/industrial: door/window profiles, weather seals, water and drainage fittings, appliance gaskets, hand/tool grips, pads and bumpers, vibration isolators.
  • Consumer goods: grips for tools and sports equipment, personal care components, anti-slip mats and protective edging.

Related terms and distinctions

  • Generic classes: thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), TPE‑S (SEBS/SBS-based), TPE‑O/TPO, TPV, TPE‑E/TPC.
  • Comparable product families (not synonyms): Santoprene (TPV), Sarlink (TPV), Versaflex (TPE‑S), Dryflex (TPE), Kraton SEBS/SIS compounds, Evoprene (TPE).
  • TEFABLOC is a branded, proprietary material family; performance, adhesion, and compliance are specific to each grade and must be confirmed from the relevant technical data sheet and approvals.

Processing notes

  • Molded and extruded via standard thermoplastic equipment; no curing step required.
  • Available in series optimized for injection molding, extrusion/co-extrusion, blow molding, and two-shot overmolding.
  • Grades are offered with customized adhesion packages, flow/viscosity profiles, and emissions control to fit target applications and substrates.

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