Thermoplastics are found in many applications in many industries because of their versatility, durability and other physical properties. These physical properties are further improved when the thermoplastics are manufactured so as to obtain the physical attributes of rubber materials. Many everyday materials are made from thermoplastic rubber, especially in applications where insulation is needed.
Plastic Rubber as Glazing Gaskets
In the construction industry, thermoplastic rubber is used for weather stripping windows and doors. One good example of excellent thermoplastic rubber used in building construction projects is Santoprene, which boasts excellent durability and flexibility. Thermoplastic rubber is highly recommended as glazing gaskets for its ability to last long in harsh climate and extreme hot and cold temperatures.
When glazing gaskets are exposed to the natural elements, there is that danger of it shrinking and deteriorating after a few years. Designers and engineers often prefer specifying top quality materials such as thermoplastic rubber to make sure the glazing gaskets will be able to withstand thermal pressure.
Thermoplastic rubber can act as highly efficient weather stripping material that will keep the building safe from rainwater seepage even during very strong storms. The inside portion of the building also benefits from thermoplastic glazing gaskets as the air quality is kept intact, particularly when air conditioning or heating is used inside the room.
Physical Properties
Thermoplastic rubber is preferred for its hard-wearing properties and abrasive resistance. Thermoplastic rubber manufacturers produce this material in much the same way as a regular thermoplastic, using blow moulding techniques, teleforming or injection moulding. Just like thermoplastics, it can be recycled and formed into new products. This differentiates it from thermoset rubbers like neoprene and EPDM, which completely break down when heated.
Thermoplastic rubber combines in one material the beneficial physical attributes of plastics and rubber. The material’s ability to resist weather changes and extremes makes it a better option over rubber.
Cost Advantages
One of thermoplastic rubber’s benefits to building construction is the low cost associated with its production. Just like thermoplastics, rubber plastic is inexpensive to produce and it provides the qualities required in protecting window glass and keeping the building air-tight.
Thermoplastic rubber is ideal for use in static curtain walls, dynamic weather-stripping and any other commercial building window applications as it can provide high quality sealing properties to the windows. Thermoplastic rubber can endure decades of constant exposure to heat and cold weather.
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