Thermoplastic Vulcanizates and Dynamic Vulcanization Techniques
Summary
Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are a class of multiphase materials that combine the elasticity of conventional rubbers with the melt-processability of thermoplastics. They are produced by dynamic vulcanization, a process in which the elastomeric phase is crosslinked in situ within a thermoplastic matrix under high shear and temperature. This yields a finely dispersed, crosslinked rubber phase typically exhibiting a sea–island morphology, in which micron- to nano-sized rubber domains are embedded in a continuous thermoplastic network. The morphology and interfacial adhesion between phases govern the balance of tensile strength, elongation, hardness and hysteresis. Control of crosslink density, compatibiliser chemistry and processing parameters enables tailoring of crystallisation, phase inversion and network architecture. TPVs have gained global significance in automotive seals, vibration dampers, flexible tubing and increasingly in additive manufacturing. Recent efforts focus on sustainable feedstocks, advanced compatibilisation strategies and in situ reactive techniques to optimise mechanical performance, recyclability and functional properties such as conductivity or barrier resistance.
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Thermoplastic Vulcanizates and Dynamic Vulcanization Techniques publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in thermoplastic vulcanizates and dynamic vulcanization techniques across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV): A multiphase material in which a crosslinked elastomeric phase is finely dispersed within a thermoplastic matrix, combining elasticity with melt processability.
Dynamic vulcanization: The simultaneous crosslinking of an elastomeric phase and melt blending within a thermoplastic under shear, producing a stable crosslinked morphology.
Mooney viscosity: A measure of rubber compound viscosity under specified conditions, indicative of chain length and processability during dynamic vulcanization.
Coagent: A reactive additive used alongside peroxides to promote crosslinking efficiency and minimise side reactions in dynamic vulcanization.
Sea–island morphology: A phase structure in TPVs where discrete crosslinked rubber domains (“islands”) are embedded in a continuous thermoplastic phase (“sea”).
References
- Effects of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomers (EPDMs) with Different Moony Viscosity on Crystallization Behavior, Structure, and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPVs). Polymers (2023).
- Unlocking the Potential Use of Reactive POSS as a Coagent for EPDM/PP-Based TPV. Polymers (2023).
- Development of thermoplastic vulcanizates based on polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer for prototyping by Fused Filament Fabrication. Polymer (2023).
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