TPE in use at sub-zero temperatures 

Why sub-zero temperatures are challenging from a materials science perspective

From a physical perspective, cold temperatures pose a particular challenge. As the temperature drops, the mobility of the polymer chains decreases significantly. Rotational movements in all three dimensions become increasingly restricted until the glass transition point is finally reached. TPS-based thermoplastic elastomers consist of multiphase systems of different polymers and generally have glass transition temperatures below –60 °C. This allows them to remain functional across a wide temperature range and prevents them from exhibiting brittle behavior, as is known to occur with classic thermoplastics, for example.

However, the flexibility of a material alone is not sufficient to ensure reliable sealing at sub-zero temperatures. The interaction of several effects is crucial: a high thermal expansion or contraction coefficient influences the behavior during temperature changes, while at the same time reduced mobility limits the adaptability of the material. Mechanical stress can also lead to plastic deformation, which must be taken into account, especially in cold conditions.

Extreme temperatures in medical technology

Issues relating to extreme temperatures also arise in the medical field. Diagnostic applications may require temperatures of –80 °C or even –150 °C. In this range, TPEs lose their elastic flexibility and become very hard, but they can usually withstand controlled freezing and thawing processes without impact stress. 

For many applications, it is precisely this combination of structural stability and resistance to temperature cycles that is crucial.

Everyday applications in the consumer and winter sports sectors

In the consumer segment, we encounter low temperatures time and again in everyday life—for example, in ice cube trays. Here, the focus is less on structural integrity and more on lasting flexibility at temperatures as low as –20 °C, so that ice cubes can be easily removed from the tray even after prolonged storage. While polypropylene tends to become brittle under these conditions, suitable TPEs retain the necessary elasticity above their glass transition temperature.

Another important area of application is winter sports. Applications close to the body typically operate in the range up to around –10 °C, while equipment and sports gear often have to be designed for temperatures as low as –20 °C. In addition to flexibility, the ability to dampen and absorb shocks plays a key role here. Specially formulated TPE compounds can meet these requirements and thus contribute to the functionality and safety of the products.

Defined temperature ranges for technical TPS compounds

Clearly defined temperature ranges are specified for many technical TPS compounds. Typical ranges extend from around –40 °C at the lower end to +100 °C at the upper end.

The low-temperature limit is usually determined by measuring the glass transition temperature using DSC analysis (differential scanning calorimetry). In this context, a material is considered suitable for use down to –40 °C if its glass transition point is below this threshold. This materials approach forms the basis for a reliable assessment of real-world applications.

Proven solutions in the construction sector

Properties at low temperatures also play a decisive role in the construction sector. Reliable functioning in winter conditions is a key approval criterion, especially for window seals. Long-established TPE materials demonstrate that permanent elasticity, dimensional stability, and resistance to temperature changes are compatible with each other.

Conclusion

Low-temperature applications illustrate how sensitive the interaction between material structure, temperature behavior, and real-world stress is. Thermoplastic elastomers offer broad technical potential here—from flexible consumer applications and robust winter sports solutions to stable components in medical technology and building & construction. 

However, the application-specific consideration always remains crucial: only an understanding of glass transition, sealing behavior, and mechanical load capacity enables a reliable design for use at sub-zero temperatures.