The Flexible Advantage

Hytrel® is a block copolymer, consisting of a hard (crystalline) segment of polybutylene terephthalate and a soft (amorphous) segment based on polyether chemistry.

Properties are determined by the ratio of hard to soft segments and by the composition of the segments.

It is important to note that Hytrel® is inherently flexible; Hytrel® grades do not contain plasticisers. Plasticisers can migrate out of other competing TPE technologies over time, resulting in a loss of flexibility and part failure. With Hytrel®, its flexibility is permanent, resulting in excellent durability and elastic properties over time.

Competing TPE technologies

Hytrel® for permanent performance

Other advantages Hytrel being plasticiser-free is that it has a much smoother and less tacky texture, unlike TPEs that contain liquid plasticiser such as paraffinic oils. This also helps to reduce dirt pick up and absorption of other oils. The elastomer chains in Hytrel® work together with the harder phase molecular chains, which provides advanced elastic properties such as higher tensile strength and improved ‘snap back’ properties when flexed or stretched through the temperature ranges. 

Scratch resistance is also improved with Hytrel® versus compounded TPE solutions, as the polymerised chemistry acts more like a rubber with the molecular chains working together under abrasion conditions.

Hytrel® is the ultimate performance elastomer solution that lasts for the duration of your product.