1. Why Are Additives Essential in TPU Raw Materials?

Additives play a crucial role in enhancing the processability, performance, and longevity of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Without the right additives, TPUs may be too sticky, thermally unstable, or unsuitable for demanding applications. Common types include:

Lubricants: Reduce melt viscosity and prevent sticking during extrusion or molding (e.g., fatty acid esters).

Stabilizers: Antioxidants (e.g., hindered phenols) and UV stabilizers (e.g., benzotriazoles) protect against oxidation and UV exposure.

Flame Retardants: Halogen-free options (e.g., phosphorus-based compounds) enhance fire resistance in electronics and cables.

Fillers: Materials like calcium carbonate or glass fibers increase strength or reduce cost.

Colorants: Pigments improve aesthetics without compromising material properties.

Anti-static Agents: Prevent static buildup in sensitive applications like electronics and medical devices.

2. What Effective additive do TPU manufacturers usually use to Solve Processing and Surface Quality Challenges?

The Problem: TPU Processing Can Limit Productivity and Performance

TPU offers excellent mechanical strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance—but its processing isn’t always easy. Manufacturers often face:

High melt viscosity complicates extrusion and mold filling

Surface tackiness, leading to poor mold release and cosmetic defects

Thermal and moisture sensitivity, increasing the risk of degradation or bubbles

High torque and pressure, raising energy costs, and equipment wear

These challenges can reduce production efficiency and final part quality, especially in automotive interiors, sports footwear, and flexible films.

The Solution: Siloxane-Based Additives to Enhance TPU Processing and Performance

A growing number of TPU processors are turning to SILIKE’s silicone-based additives, like silicone masterbatch LYSI-409, a pelletized additive composed of 50% ultra-high molecular weight siloxane polymer dispersed in TPU. This multifunctional thermoplastic additive acts as a processing aid and surface modifier, and can be compounded in or added by using a feed hopper during injection molding or extrusion.

Why TPU Processors Are Turning to Siloxane Additives to Solve Flow, Surface, and Cost Issues?

What Makes SILIKE Silicone Additive LYSI-409 Different?

SILIKE Silicone -based Additive LYSI-409 offers multiple technical benefits:

• Improves melt flow, enabling easier extrusion and faster mold filling

• Reduces torque and processing pressure, minimizing energy consumption

• Minimizes surface tack and friction, creating smoother-feeling parts

• Enhances mar and abrasion resistance, especially for high-contact surfaces

• Improves mold release, reducing cycle times and scrap rates

Where Plastics Additive LYSI-409 Is Delivering Real Value In TPU manufacturing?

TPU Manufacturers across multiple applications have reported substantial improvements in productivity and surface quality:

Industry Benefit of Using Polymer Processing Additive LYSI-409

Automotive: Soft-touch, scratch-resistant interior parts; reduced wear

Wire and cable: improving processing efficiency, surface finish

Footwear: Easier molding of slip-resistant soles and long-wear uppers

Flexible Films: Improved extrusion stability and clarity; fewer surface defects

Consumer Goods: Better mold release in phone cases, wearables, and soft-touch products

“It’s not just a processing aid—it’s a strategic solution,” says a technical manager at a TPU compounding plant in China. “Silike Siloxane Masterbatch LYSI-409 helped us increase output while achieving a superior surface feel.”

3. How Are TPU Raw Materials Typically Processed?

TPU is processed through various methods depending on the application:

Extrusion: For producing films, sheets, tubes, and cable jackets

Injection Molding: Ideal for complex parts like phone cases or medical components

Blow Molding: Used to make hollow or inflatable items

Calendering: Creates thin, uniform TPU films or coated layers

4. What Are the Key Applications of TPU Raw Materials?

TPU’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of markets:

Footwear: For cushioning, abrasion resistance, and flexible soles

Automotive: Used in gaskets, interior skins, and soft-touch panels

Medical Devices: Ideal for tubing, catheters, and flexible connectors due to biocompatibility

Electronics: Used for cable insulation, protective cases, and connectors

Films and Coatings: Applied in waterproof, breathable membranes for textiles or outdoor gear

Industrial Use: Conveyor belts, hoses, and seals due to high wear and chemical resistance

If your TPU applications demand higher productivity, better surface quality, and fewer production issues, polymer additives like SILIKE silicone masterbatch LYSI-409 are essential to achieving reliable and cost-effective results. Want to explore how silicone additive LYSI-409 or which Siloxane-Based Additives can work in your formulation? Contact SILIKE’s technical team to request a sample or schedule a consultation.

Tel: +86-28-83625089, Email: [email protected]

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Company Name: Chengdu Silike Technology Co., Ltd.
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