Polyether Block Amide

PEBA or Polyether block Amide is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) belonging to the technical polymers family. It is also known under the tradename of PEBAX®, an Arkema's product. It is a copolymer obtain by polycondensation of a carboxylic acid polyamide (PA6, PA11, PA12) with an alcohol termination polyether (PTMG, PEG). The general chemical structure is detail below:

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HO - (CO - PA - CO - O - PE - O)n - H

PEBA is a high performance thermoplastic elastomer. It is used to replace common elastomers – thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyester elastomers, and silicons - for these characteristics: lower density among TPE, superior mechanical and dynamic properties (flexibility, impact resistance, energy return, fatigue resistance) and keeping these properties at low temperature (lower than -40°C), better resistance against a wide range of chemical substances, no yellowing after UV exposition, good touch feeling, wide choice of decoration, etc.

Applications

PEBA is found in the sports market: for damping system components and outsoles of high end shoes (running, track & field, football, baseball, basketball, trekking, etc.) where it is appreciated for its low density, damping properties, energy return and flexibility. PEBA is also appreciated by winter sports amateur as it enables design of lightest alpine and nordic ski boots while providing a great resistance to extreme environment (low temperatures, UV expositions, moisture). At last it is used in various other sports applications as racquet grommets or golf ball.

PEBA is specified in medical market for its flexibility, its resistance to chemical product, its good mechanical properties at low and high temperatures, its touch feeling, etc.

In automotive market, many applications take benefits of its resistance to chemical products and mechanical properties stability in extreme environments.

It is also widely used on electric & electronic market: cables and wires, electronic devices components, etc.

Textiles can be made from PEBA: as well as breathable film, fresh feeling fibres or non woven fabrics.

Some hydrophilic grades of PEBA are also used for their antistatic and antidust properties. They enable, contrary to chemical additives, to obtain an immediate and permanent effect and to recycle the product at end of life.

Physical Properties