BLOG |7 MAY 2026
Santoprene® TPV: A Better EPDM Rubber Replacement
A material that delivers rubber-like elasticity and durability with thermoplastic processability.
Used in diverse applications across industries like automotive and construction, Santoprene® TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) from Celanese delivers the elasticity and durability of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) in addition to a unique, important advantage: thermoplastic processability.
As a thermoplastic, Santoprene® TPV can easily take the form of seals, grommets, rollers, hoses, and many other useful parts, streamlining manufacturing through part consolidation, lightweighting, and reduced complexity.
(Download this article summarized as a sell sheet.)
TPV vs EPDM
Several features give Santoprene® TPV the edge over other rubber replacements. An excellent compression set, as well as weathering, ozone, and UV-resistance mean that TPV parts perform better and last longer.
TPV’s rubber-like properties and performance are complimented by shorter cycle times and shorter extrusion line requirements compared to EPDM rubber, which translate to reduced energy use during production.
Overall, with enhanced colorability and overmolding compatibility, simpler production, and in-process recyclability, Santoprene® TPV accommodates a wide range of applications and offers customers a potential cost savings of up to 50%.
Construction, Industrial, and Automotive Applications
Santoprene® TPV makes an excellent EPDM alternative for growing global industries that depend on the properties of rubber-like materials.
With up to 30% lower specific gravity than EPDM and remarkable durability, Santoprene® TPV delivers cost-effective performance in applications where EPDM and traditional rubber fall short.
Santoprene® TPV Sustainability Advantages
Thanks to ECO-R grades that use post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, customers can get prime-level quality with Santoprene® TPV that includes 20% or 30% recycled content.
In extruded seals, Santoprene® TPV can achieve up to a 59% lower carbon footprint compared to EPDM (CO2 footprint values are available upon request).
With great potential for weight reduction, TPV can increase miles-per-gallon (MPG) and/or electric vehicle range, making it an especially attractive choice for innovative automotive applications.
A High-Performance EPDM Alternative
Flexibility and durability, combined with additional chemical resistance, weight reduction, and the improved processability of a thermoplastic make Santoprene® TPV the clear successor to EPDM.
As sustainability and cost considerations shape markets like automotive and construction, this modern rubber replacement is engineered to set new standards in performance and reliability.
Let's Work Together
If you're designing industrial, automotive, or construction parts and need a high-performance, cost-effective rubber replacement, Santoprene® TPV from Celanese may be the perfect fit. Have questions or want to request technical data sheets? Contact us today!
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