Comparison
Abrasion Resistant Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Footwear vs PLA
A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) - Abrasion Resistant Grade for Footwear and Polylactic Acid.
Physical
Density
1.18 - 1.22 g/cm³
1.24 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.8 - 1.2 %
0.5 %
Transparency
Opaque to Translucent
Semi-transparent
Shrinkage
0.6 - 1.4 %
0.3 – 0.5 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.05 - 0.15 GPa
3.5 GPa
Tensile Strength
35 - 55 MPa
50 – 65 MPa
Elongation at Break
450 - 650 %
6 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
High (20-80 J/m, notched)
16 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
80 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-5 to 5 °C
60 °C
Melting Point
160 - 190 °C
150 – 160 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
-30 to 80 °C
45 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
50 - 70 °C
55 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
5.5 - 6.5
3.0
Volume Resistivity
10^10 - 10^12 Ohm-cm
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
18 - 26 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good
Fair
Bases
Good
Poor
Solvents
Resists oils and greases; swells in strong acids, ketones
—
UV Resistance
Fair (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 %