TUFPRENE™ & ASAPRENE™ Basic Profile
The styrenic thermoplastic elastomers [SBS]
Essentials
TUFPRENE™ and ASAPRENE™T are styrene-butadiene block copolymers, widely recognized and proven as styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with excellent elastomeric characteristics, compatibility with polystyrene and other polymers, and processing characteristics.
The original TUFPRENE™ series was introduced in 1971 as the first styrenic TPE produced in Japan.
With its addition of the ASAPRENE™T series and its continuing advances in the performance characteristics
of both series for a broad range of functions and applications, Asahi Kasei is Japan’s established
leader in this field.
Salient features of TUFPRENE™ and ASAPRENE™T
In service, TUFPRENE™ and ASAPRENE™T provide elastic performance comparable to that of vulcanized rubber.
In fabrication, however, they can be readily molded and extruded in the same manner as other thermoplastics.
Their performance characteristics include the following.
- High rubber elasticity, comparable to that of vulcanized rubber.
- Superior low-temperature characteristics.
- High adhesive strength, for a broad range of materials.
- Superior compatibility with polystyrene and other resins, and with asphalt.
- Low solution viscosity, ready solubility in a broad range of industrial solvents.
- High slip resistance.
- Crosslinking capability.
- Low specific gravity, for lightweight products.
Typical applications of TUFPRENE™ and ASAPRENE™T
- Plastic blends with polystyrene and other polymers.
- Base polymers in a broad range of pressure-sensitive and other adhesives.
- Asphalt blends for waterproof sheeting, road paving, other fields.
- Shoe soles.
- Multilayer coextruded sheets, toys, sporting goods, erasers, other products.
TUFPRENE™ and ASAPRENE™T polymer grades and application map

TUFPRENE™ Grades and Properties
Styrenic Thermoplastic Elastomer
Grade | Shore-A | Special Characteristics | Density | MFR*1 | Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 85 | High Hardness | 0.95 | 2.6 |
Press.-sens.Adhesives PS Modification |
125 | 88 | High Hardness, High Flowability | 0.95 | 4.5 |
PS Modification |
126S | 91 | High Hardness, High Flowability,Anti-blocking Property | 0.95 | 4.5 |
PS Modification |
*1 Condition:190°C, 2.16kgf
*2 Condition:200°C, 5kgf
Reactive resin grade
Test Conditions
- Test piece: Compression-molded sheet, 2-mm thick, type1A dumbbell shape
- Roll kneading temp.: 120°C~130°C
- Compression molding: Preheating, 160°C 5 min. Compression: 80 kg/cm2 160°C 5 min. Cooling: 3 min
- Test measurements temp.: 23°C
ASAPRENE™ Styrenic Thermoplastic Elastomer
Grade | Shore-A | Special Characteristics | Density | MFR*1 | Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-411 | 75 | High Viscosity, High Elasticity | 0.94 | 0 | Adhesives Asphalt Modification Shoe MC4 |
T-432 | 75 | High Regidity, High Flowability | 0.94 | 0.2*2 | Adhesives Asphalt Modification |
T-437 | 75 | High Strength | 0.94 | 2*2 | Asphalt Modification |
T-438 | 80 | High Flowability | 0.94 | 25*2 | Adhesives |
T-439 | 83 | High Flowability | 0.95 | - | Adhesives |
*1 Condition:190°C, 2.16kgf
*2 Condition:200°C, 5kgf
Test Conditions
- Test piece: Compression-molded sheet, 2-mm thick, type1A dumbbell shape.
- Roll kneading temp.: 120°C~130°C.
- Compression molding: Preheating, 160°C 5 min. Compression: 80 kg/cm2 160°C 5 min. Cooling: 3 min.
- Test measurements temp.: 23°C.
Please refer to Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
We, Asahi Kasei Group, request that customers who are considering using our products in medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and other related applications (hereinafter collectively called “Medical Applications”) shall contact us and confirm our policy on Medical Applications in advance. Information herein regarding conformity to certain laws and regulations are as of January, 2015. Please consult with us for the latest status. We make no guarantees or warranties, express or implied, concerning the suitability of our products for use in Medical Applications. It is not our responsibility to determine if our products are safe, lawful, and technically suitable for intended applications.