Comparison
Flexible Hydrolysis-Resistant Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Polyether) vs PLA
A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) - Polyether type and Polylactic Acid.
Physical
Density
1.14 - 1.25 g/cm³
1.24 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.5 - 1.5 %
0.5 %
Transparency
Opaque to Translucent
Semi-transparent
Shrinkage
0.5 - 1.5 %
0.3 – 0.5 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.01 - 0.1 GPa
3.5 GPa
Tensile Strength
15 - 50 MPa
50 – 65 MPa
Elongation at Break
500 - 800 %
6 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
High (10-100+ J/m, notched)
16 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
80 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-50 to -30 °C
60 °C
Melting Point
140 - 180 °C
150 – 160 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
-40 to 90 °C
45 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
30 - 60 °C
55 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
5.0 - 6.0
3.0
Volume Resistivity
10^10 - 10^12 Ohm-cm
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15 - 25 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good
Fair
Bases
Good
Poor
Solvents
Good resistance to oils, greases; swells in strong acids, ketones, and certain solvents
—
UV Resistance
Fair to Good (can yellow)
Poor
Alcohols
—
Fair
Hydrolysis
—
Poor
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (thermoplastic)
Industrially compostable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~1.6 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
100 %