Advances in Thermoplastic Elastomers : Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The world is moving toward a carbon-neutral economy which mainly focuses on reducing polymer wastes and recycling the materials for end-use as long as possible. Currently, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are widely used to make several products in automotive, packaging, sports goods and toys applications, which generates lots of landfill waste after their use. This book chapter comprehensively reviewed the recycling opportunities of thermoplastic elastomers in the polymer industry to provide a sustainable environmental and economical solution. The recycling options of thermoplastic polyurethane, styrene-block copolymers, thermoplastic polyamide, and thermoplastic polyolefins are also highlighted. Also, new recycling strategies of waste rubber tires, ground rubber, plastics to make useful TPEs and thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are also discussed. Finally, the use of TPEs as a sustainable alternative and their commercial production from renewable resources and some of the latest developments by several elastomer companies are summarized in this book chapter. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.