SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) vs TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) vs TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile)
Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer — AN 20-30% improves chemical resistance, heat resistance, and stiffness vs PS. Transparent (clear). Higher stiffness (E ~3.5 GPa) and HDT than PMMA. Used for housewares, cosmetic packaging, instrument lenses, battery cases, and transparent housings. THE clear engineering-grade styrenic. Also base polymer for ABS (SAN + butadiene rubber).
TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)
Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer — crosslinked EPDM rubber particles dispersed in a PP matrix. Combines the elastic recovery of vulcanized rubber with the processability of thermoplastics (injection moldable, extrudable, recyclable). Shore hardness range 40A to 50D. Compression set resistance far superior to TPE-S (SBS/SEBS). Trade names: Santoprene (Celanese), Sarlink (Teknor Apex), Forprene (So.F.Ter). Used for automotive seals/weatherstrips, wire & cable jacketing, industrial hoses, consumer grips and overmolded soft-touch components. Service temp -40°C to +135°C.
| SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) | TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 4894 | ISO 18064 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) | TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Styrene | 65–80% | — | — |
| Acrylonitrile | 20–35% | — | — |
| Crosslinked EPDM Rubber | — | 50–70% | — |
| Polypropylene Matrix | — | 30–50% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) | TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 55–75 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | 2–5 | — | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 3200–3800 | — | MPa |
| Density | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Compression Set (70°C/22h) | |||
| Density | |||
| Continuous Use Temp | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) |
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SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) and TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) the same as TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)?
SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) and TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) with TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) and TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) is a Polymers grade, while TPE-V (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) is a Polymers grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.