1. What makes ETERNALAST® different from a standard TPU?
ETERNALAST® is UBE’s range of high-performance thermoplastic polyurethanes, mainly based on polycarbonate diol technology. The main difference is durability. Standard TPU can work very well in many applications, but when a part is continuously exposed to heat, water, oils, chemicals or weathering, retaining its original properties becomes more challenging. ETERNALAST® is designed for those conditions, combining the flexibility and mechanical performance expected from a TPU with higher resistance to demanding environments.
2. Why does polycarbonate diol-based chemistry matter in a TPU?
Because polyol chemistry has a major influence on how a TPU behaves during ageing. Polyester- and polyether-based TPUs each have their strengths, while polycarbonate diol-based TPU provides a particularly strong combination of hydrolysis, chemical, thermal and oxidation resistance. In practice, this becomes especially important when the component is exposed to demanding conditions for long periods. In these cases, the choice of polyol chemistry can make a real difference in how well the TPU retains its properties.
3. What properties should you look for in a high-performance TPU?
There is no single answer because it depends on the application, but we normally start with the conditions the part will face. Abrasion and wear resistance, cut and tear resistance, low compression set and good mechanical strength are common requirements. If the component is also exposed to high temperatures, moisture, oils, solvents, UV or outdoor conditions, resistance to ageing becomes just as important. That is why we normally look at the complete performance profile rather than focusing on a single property.
4. How does polycarbonate diol-based TPU perform under heat, water and oil exposure?
This is one of the areas where ETERNALAST® really stands out. We have tested our polycarbonate diol-based TPU under severe ageing conditions involving heat, hot water and oil, and ETERNALAST® shows strong retention of tensile properties compared with conventional polyester- and polyether-based TPUs. For us, this is a much more useful way of looking at performance: not only asking how strong a TPU is initially, but how much of that performance remains after prolonged exposure.
5. What applications benefit most from ETERNALAST® high-performance TPU?
Applications that combine mechanical demands with harsh operating conditions are usually the best fit. ETERNALAST® can be used in seals and gaskets, wire and cable, tubes and hoses, technical films, wheels and other industrial components. Each application puts the focus on different properties: low compression set and dimensional stability in sealing, abrasion resistance and ageing performance in wire and cable, or tear and puncture resistance in films and tubes.
6. Can ETERNALAST® TPU be processed by both injection molding and extrusion?
Yes. The ETERNALAST® portfolio includes grades for both injection molding and extrusion and can be processed using conventional equipment. Different hardness levels and mechanical profiles are available, so the material can be selected according to the part and process. As with any TPU, correct drying and processing conditions are important. UBE can provide technical guidance on material preparation, processing parameters and post-treatment when needed.
7. How can I select the right ETERNALAST® grade for my application?
We normally start with a few practical questions: How will the part be processed? What hardness and mechanical performance are required? At what temperature will it operate? Will it be exposed to water, oil, chemicals, abrasion or weathering? From there, we can narrow down the most suitable ETERNALAST® TPU grade and support the evaluation. If you have a specific TPU challenge, contact our technical team to discuss your application, request technical information or ask for a sample.
