Is TPE Better Than NBR Material？

Among all fitness products, TPE and NBR materials are the most common. In this article, I will discuss the difference between TPE and NBR, and the difference between TPE and NBR.

TPE AND NBR FEATURES

TPE

TPE is the abbreviation of thermoplastic elastomer. It has the advantages of both plastic and rubber. It is widely used in sports equipment, sealing materials, adult toys, etc. It has excellent anti-slip and rebound effects. Generally, the foaming degree is low when making cushions. It uses less agent, so it has better taste and safety. TPE mats are also available in tear-proof and non-tear-proof nets, but the production process is different from that of PVC. Two layers of TPE and a layer of high-strength fiber are used to bond them together. At the same time, most of the source of the peculiar smell of the mat is the glue used. It is generally believed that the strength of the TPE mat is high enough, without the need for an external tear-proof net, and it is sufficient for one-time molding. 

NBR

NBR is the abbreviation of nitrile rubber. It is an industrial synthetic rubber material and is also a kind of rubber. Nitrile rubber is mainly produced by low-temperature emulsion polymerization. It has excellent oil resistance, high wear resistance and good heat resistance, and strong adhesion.

Its disadvantages are poor low temperature resistance, poor ozone resistance, poor insulation performance, and slightly lower elasticity. As a yoga mat, elasticity is necessary. Since NBR has poor elasticity, why can it be used as a yoga mat? The great man invented a technology called "foaming", which is to add a foaming agent to the NBR raw material, and make it decompose and gasify at high temperature, like blowing a balloon, so that the NBR material produces loose and porous bubbles. Finally, the temperature is lowered and the shape becomes a sponge-like cushion. But after foaming, the cushion will become very light and affect the texture. What should I do? The great man invented a technology "filling". Before the NBR material is foamed, fillers are added in advance to increase the weight and improve the texture. The two technologies are great inventions, but unfortunately they are now mastered by unscrupulous merchants. The main peculiar smell of NBR cushions comes from the residue after the decomposition of the foaming agent, which may contain harmful gases such as ammonia and nitrogen dioxide. Now the filler of NBR yoga mat uses calcium oxide, which is what we often call quicklime. The proportion is not well controlled, and you may feel a burning sensation on the skin or cause allergies during use. A Wavar yoga mat has a full-screen low-priced product of 10 yuan and 20 yuan.

NBR vs. TPE

NBR PROS and CONS

Advantages: NBR is light in weight, small in density, thick in thickness, relatively resistant to wear, and low in price, suitable for beginners;

Disadvantages: The anti-slip performance is general, especially on wooden floors, it will slip, the resilience is not particularly good, and it is difficult to exert force smoothly.

TPE PROS AND CONS

Advantages: TPE is recognized as a pollution-free material, and it is also the most used material for yoga mats. It is characterized by very good resilience, good slip resistance, and more durable than NBR;

Disadvantages: Not suitable for hot yoga or summer sweating, because it will reduce the anti-slip performance when wet, sweat will also corrode, it is not easy to maintain, and has a short service life.

So in summary, the material of TPE is better.