What are Thermoplastics?

Thermoplastics are a type of plastic material that becomes soft and moldable when heated and hardens back upon cooling. This process of molding is not final, meaning it is reversible and allows thermoplastics to be reshaped and reused without altering their chemical properties. Thermoplastics are composed of polymer chains held together by weak intermolecular forces. These forces weaken when heat is applied, allowing the material to soften and mold into different shapes. When cooled, the molecular forces again gain strength, solidifying the material back into a stable shape. Take a moment to observe your surroundings, and you’ll notice that thermoplastics are very commonly present in ordinary objects such as food containers, water bottles, mobile phone cases, car bumpers, and medical devices like syringes and IV bags. Thermoplastics are chosen for these products because of their exceptional versatility in properties like flexibility, durability, lightweight nature, and the ability to be easily molded into complex shapes. Their affordability and ability to be produced in a wide range of colors and sizes make them highly appealing for mass production. Additionally, their resistance to impact and chemicals makes them suitable for both everyday items like food containers and critical applications like medical devices.

A unique advantage of thermoplastics is their environmental friendliness, as recycled materials can be broken down again and reused without losing their fundamental properties. Unlike many materials like hard plastics that degrade during recycling, thermoplastics maintain their chemical structure. This reduces waste and supports sustainable manufacturing practices, making them a more eco-conscious choice in industries striving to minimize their environmental footprint. They can be formulated to exhibit a wide range of properties, such as flexibility or high-impact resistance. They are also ideal for mass production methods such as extrusion or injection molding, a manufacturing process where molten thermoplastic material is injected into a mold under high pressure, cooled down, and then solidified to create precise shapes. Ultimately, thermoplastics also offer excellent resistance to impact, chemicals, and environmental conditions.

Santoprene – 60A – 1/32″ x 36″

Santoprene – 60A – 1/32″ x 36″

• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges
• Santoprene rubber is polyolefin based and completely recyclable

A High Performance Elastomer: Santoprene rubber features excellent physical and chemical characteristics. This is a quality synthetic rubber sheet that combines the performance characteristics vulcanized rubber, such as superior flexibility and low compression set, with the processing ease of thermoplastics. This thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer rating of 55-65, meaning that it is able to handle physical indentation fairly well while being flexible and pliable enough to use in various settings.

Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.

What is Santoprene™?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of thermoplastics, let’s dive into the specifics of Santoprene™ rubber materials. The development of Santoprene™ sheets was driven by the growing demand for materials that combined the durability and flexibility of rubber with the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of plastics. At the time, industries like automotive and consumer goods were seeking cost-effective alternatives to traditional rubber that could be produced more efficiently without compromising performance. Santoprene™ was first developed in 1977 by Monsanto Company, a renowned agrochemical and biotechnology corporation known for its contribution to agricultural and material sciences. This innovation addressed the need for a versatile material that could withstand harsh environments while streamlining production processes, marking a significant step forward in material science.

Santoprene™ has a rich history of changing ownership, beginning its journey under Monsanto Company. ExxonMobil originally acquired the Santoprene brand in 1997 when it purchased Monsanto’s chemical business, including the Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) product line. This marked the beginning of ExxonMobil’s ownership of the Santoprene™ trademark. Recently, in 2021, ExxonMobil sold the Santoprene™ business to Celanese Corporation for $1.15 billion as part of a strategic restructuring. By acquiring Santoprene™, Celanese aimed to enhance its portfolio of engineered materials, strengthening its position in the advanced polymer market. The move also aligned with recent industry trends favoring lightweight, durable, and recyclable materials, particularly in automotive applications where reducing vehicle weight is critical for improving fuel efficiency and meeting sustainability goals. While its journey through various ownerships showcases its market appeal, the real story lies in the remarkable blend of materials that define Santoprene™.

It is a trademarked material made from a blend of EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and polypropylene. The EPDM component contributes elasticity, resilience, and outdoor durability, while the polypropylene provides thermoplasticity, allowing the material to be molded and reprocessed like plastic. This unique blend creates a material that combines the flexibility and advantages of synthetic rubbers with the ease of manufacturing associated with plastics, making it a popular choice. Due to this unique combination of materials, Santoprene™ doesn’t just fit neatly into one category– it bridges the gap between synthetic rubber and thermoplastic materials, offering both flexibility and reusability.

Santoprene™ is typically classified as a synthetic rubber due to its elastomeric qualities, including flexibility, resistance to deformation, and exceptional performance under stress. However, it sets itself apart from traditional rubbers by its ability to be melted and reshaped multiple times, a feature more commonly associated with plastics. This dual characteristic earns it the classification of a thermoplastic elastomer, combining the best of both worlds. It shares many of the essential synthetic rubber properties, making it a versatile choice for demanding applications. These include high resistance to heat, UV rays, and chemicals, along with impressive flexibility and durability across a broad range of temperatures. In addition, Santoprene’s excellent weatherability makes it a top performer in outdoor and harsh environments. One of the primary synthetic rubber advantages of Santoprene™ is its consistency and ability to be customized for specific needs, which is often not achievable with natural rubber. Compared to traditional rubbers, Santoprene™ and other synthetic rubbers offer improved performance and adaptability, making them invaluable across industries like automotive, construction, and electronics.

Santoprene – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

Santoprene – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges
• Santoprene rubber is polyolefin based and completely recyclable

A High Performance Elastomer: Santoprene rubber features excellent physical and chemical characteristics. This is a quality synthetic rubber sheet that combines the performance characteristics vulcanized rubber, such as superior flexibility and low compression set, with the processing ease of thermoplastics. This thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer rating of 55-65, meaning that it is able to handle physical indentation fairly well while being flexible and pliable enough to use in various settings.

Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.

What Applications is Santoprene™ Rubber Good For?

Santoprene™ is a highly versatile synthetic rubber that combines the best features of both rubber and plastic, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Thanks to its unique composition blended from EPDM rubber and polypropylene, Santoprene™ is known for its remarkable synthetic rubber properties, such as flexibility, durability, and excellent performance under stress. This makes it suitable for use in demanding environments across various industries.

Automotive Applications
One of the most prominent uses of Santoprene™ rolled rubber is in the automotive sector. The material’s high durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions make it perfect for automotive components such as door seals and gaskets. Santoprene™ sheets are resistant to oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings, ensuring long-term reliability. Moreover, the material can perform in high temperatures, up to 300°F, making it suitable for seals, gaskets, and weather stripping in vehicles. Synthetic rubber manufacturers favor Santoprene™ for its ability to maintain shape and performance even in extreme conditions, a key synthetic rubber advantage over traditional materials.

Outdoor and Weather-Resistant Uses
Santoprene™ is also an excellent choice for outdoor use. Due to its resistance to UV rays, ozone, and harsh weather conditions, this synthetic elastomer is ideal for products exposed to the elements. Unlike many other rubbers that degrade under UV exposure, Santoprene™ remains flexible and durable, making it suitable for outdoor seals, gaskets, and weatherproofing materials. This quality makes it a top choice for applications in industries such as construction and outdoor equipment. Thanks to its ability to resist both water and chemical degradation, Santoprene™ maintains its properties over time, making it perfect for long-lasting applications in harsh outdoor conditions. Its reliable performance ensures minimal maintenance, even when exposed to extreme weather.

Consumer Goods and Electronics
Santoprene™’s flexibility and resilience make it an excellent material for various consumer goods. It is used in products like electronic enclosures, phone cases, and ergonomic handles, where both comfort and durability are essential. The synthetic rubber advantages of Santoprene™ include its ability to resist chemicals and wear, which is particularly useful for products that see frequent use or come into contact with oils and solvents. Additionally, it can retain its shape and flexibility over time, making it an ideal choice for products that require longevity and resistance to deformation. This ensures that items like phone cases and ergonomic handles maintain their performance and appearance even after prolonged use.

Paddings, Seals, O-Rings, and Gaskets

Is Santoprene™ a Plastic or a Rubber?

Santoprene™ is a unique material that often raises debates about its classification as either plastic or rubber. To answer the question straight, it is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that combines the properties of both plastics and rubbers. Specifically, Santoprene™ rubber material is a synthetic elastomer that bridges the gap between the two distinctive materials, offering strength and flexibility. It is a high-performance elastomer that behaves like rubber in its flexibility and resilience while offering the manufacturing convenience of plastics. Although not purely rubber, it functions similarly in many applications, providing excellent strength and elasticity. As a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Santoprene™ combines the durability and versatility of plastics with the physical and functional qualities of rubber. It can be molded like plastic while still delivering the softness and stretch often associated with rubber. But you may be wondering, what exactly are thermoplastics?

Santoprene – 60A – Block Design x 24″

Santoprene – 60A – Block Design x 24″

• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Also available with a smooth surface texture
• Standard rolls of Santoprene sheet available in 24” and 36” width options and lengths of up to 50ft
• Thanks to its polyolefin base, Santoprene elastomer is recyclable despite being a synthetic rubber material

Block-Patterned Surface Texture: The distinguishing feature about this Santoprene rubber sheet is its surface texture. Unlike the standard smooth surface texture of most other elastomers, this sheet of thermoplastic rubber is manufactured with a block surface pattern. All across its body are tiny blocks. These mainly serve an aesthetic function for application where appearances are important. However, they do provide for a better level of grip so as to reduce the chances of it slipping out of place.

Excellent Temperature Range: Silicone often tends to be the first rubber that comes to mind when people are looking for a high-temp elastomer. However, Santoprene rubber should also be considered. This synthetic rubber material has an excellent working temperature range. It can endure temperatures that go as low as -74° F and can equally function in conditions that reach as high as 300° F. This excellent feature allows the rubber to be used in various temperature intensive applications in the automotive, electrical, and industrial fields.

Order a Catalog

Link here!

Order Samples

Link here!

Santoprene Industrial Applications

In industrial settings, synthetic rubbers like Santoprene™ are often used for fuel system seals in automotive applications, gaskets, and hoses in chemical processing equipment, where their chemical resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and durability are critical. The material’s ability to perform under mechanical stress and resist abrasion makes it ideal for heavy-duty machinery and equipment, ensuring longevity and reliability in environments that demand robust materials. Its ability to withstand extreme temperatures without losing its structural integrity further enhances its suitability for outdoor use. Additionally, Santoprene™ sheeting offers long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent replacements, which is particularly valuable in demanding environments where reliability is critical. Santoprene™’s ability to resist chemical degradation makes it a reliable choice for use in environments where exposure to oils, solvents, and acids is common. It also offers exceptional low-temperature flexibility, which makes it suitable for use in cold storage and refrigeration applications.

Santoprene – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

Santoprene – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

• Slow burn rate
• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges

A High Performance Elastomer: Santoprene rubber features excellent physical and chemical characteristics. This is a quality synthetic rubber sheet that combines the performance characteristics vulcanized rubber, such as superior flexibility and low compression set, with the processing ease of thermoplastics. This thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer rating of 55-65, meaning that it is able to handle physical indentation fairly well while being flexible and pliable enough to use in various settings.

Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.

Santoprene Medical/Food Industry Uses

Santoprene™ is also utilized in medical and food-grade applications. Thanks to its non-toxic nature and ease of sterilization, Santoprene™ is used in medical seals, food containers, and lab equipment. Its synthetic rubber properties make it safe for contact with food and medical substances, while its flexibility ensures the reliability of seals and gaskets in various devices. Santoprene™ sheet rubber rolls also adapt well to complex shapes, enabling the creation of highly functional components for diverse medical and food applications. This makes Santoprene™ an ideal choice for industries where hygiene, safety, and performance are critical, including the production of medical devices and food processing equipment.

Its combination of synthetic rubber properties, high resilience, and temperature tolerance, as well as its ability to be reshaped and reused, makes it a go-to material in industries like automotive, construction, consumer goods, electronics, and more. The synthetic rubber advantages of Santoprene™, particularly its weatherability and chemical resistance, give it a competitive edge over traditional rubbers, enabling it to excel in both indoor and outdoor applications.

Santoprene – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

Santoprene – 60A – 1/16″ x 36″

• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges
• Santoprene rubber is polyolefin based and completely recyclable

A High Performance Elastomer: Santoprene rubber features excellent physical and chemical characteristics. This is a quality synthetic rubber sheet that combines the performance characteristics vulcanized rubber, such as superior flexibility and low compression set, with the processing ease of thermoplastics. This thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer rating of 55-65, meaning that it is able to handle physical indentation fairly well while being flexible and pliable enough to use in various settings.

Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.