Thermoplastic Vulcanisate
TPV (Santoprene)
TPV is a thermoplastic elastomer that combines the processing ease of a thermoplastic with rubber-like sealing performance. We supply Santoprene and equivalent TPV sheet and profiles for automotive, HVAC, and appliance gasket applications where recyclability and consistent properties are valued.
At a Glance
Temperature Range
-50 °C to +135 °C continuous; brittle point -60 °C per ASTM D746
Thickness Range
1 mm to 10 mm
Hardness Range
35 Shore A to 50 Shore D
Available Forms
Colours
Brands We Stock
Technical Properties
Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.
Physical Characteristics
Density
0.90–1.05 g/cm³ (ASTM D792)
Tensile Strength
3–12 MPa (ASTM D412, grade-dependent)
Elongation at Break
200–600% (ASTM D412)
Compression Set
25–50% at 70 °C / 22 h (ASTM D395)
Chemical Resistance
Resistant To
- Water and dilute aqueous solutions
- Dilute acids and alkalis
- Ozone and weathering
- Alcohols and glycols
- Brake fluids (glycol-based, DOT 3/4)
Limited Resistance
- Petroleum oils and greases (mild swelling in softer grades)
- Concentrated acids at elevated temperature
Not Recommended
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene); these cause excessive swelling
- Phosphate ester hydraulic fluids (Skydrol-class) — the PP continuous phase is plasticised by aryl phosphate esters above ~60 °C; specify EPDM or PTFE for aviation hydraulic service
- Chlorinated solvents (use FKM or FFKM instead)
- Concentrated mineral oils at sustained temperature; nitrile is preferred
- Steam above 120 °C — specify peroxide-cured EPDM (silicone reverts in saturated steam above ~120 °C, so it is also unsuitable)
Environmental Ratings
Weather Resistance
Excellent: UV and ozone stable for outdoor exposure
Ozone Resistance
Excellent. The EPDM rubber phase provides inherent ozone resistance
UV Resistance
Good to excellent, with UV-stabilised grades available for permanent outdoor use
Standards & Certifications
Standards Compliance
Certifications
Common Applications
- Automotive weather seals and door gaskets
- HVAC ductwork gaskets and vibration mounts
- Appliance door seals and trim
- Electrical enclosure gaskets (IP-rated)
- Outdoor equipment seals and weather strips
- Low-pressure industrial gaskets
- Recyclable packaging and transport gaskets
Not Recommended For
- Higher compression set than vulcanised rubbers — not suited to high-pressure static seals requiring long-term sealing force retention
- Temperature limit of 135 °C; for higher service use silicone, EPDM, or FKM
- Not oil-resistant in softer grades. Nitrile or FKM is preferred for petroleum contact
- Lower resilience than true thermoset rubber, so elastic recovery is slower at low temperatures
- Not suitable as a direct replacement for EPDM or nitrile in critical sealing applications without testing
Available Grades
Brands we stock: Santoprene, Sarlink
Santoprene 101-Series (Soft, 60 Shore A)
Soft-grade TPV for low-pressure gaskets, weather seals, and cushioning. Excellent flexibility at low temperatures and good ozone resistance.
Santoprene 201-Series (Medium, 73 Shore A)
Medium-hardness TPV balancing flexibility and sealing force. Our standard grade for general industrial and automotive gaskets.
TPV FDA Grade
Food SafeFood-contact-compliant TPV meeting FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. Used in food processing equipment gaskets where recyclability is valued.
Santoprene 241-Series (NSF/ANSI 61 Potable Water)
Food SafeDrinking-water-certified TPV grades (241-64, 241-87, 243-40) using the W236 stabiliser package, qualified to NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water contact. Specify these grades for municipal water reticulation, valve, and pump gasket applications.
Santoprene B100-Series (UL 94 V-0 Fire-Retardant)
Halogen-free fire-retardant TPV with UL 94 V-0 listing. Specified for electrical enclosure gaskets, transit/rail seals, and any application where flammability classification beyond UL 94 HB is required.
Need TPV (Santoprene)?
We supply tpv (santoprene) in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.
Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.