Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPVs)

A typical approach to obtaining high-performance polymer materials is by polymer blending. Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), prepared via dynamic vulcanization, consist of a high content of crosslinked rubber phase dispersed in a low content yet continuous thermoplastic polymer phase. TPVs represent a special class of rubber–plastic blends with distinctive phase structures offering a combination of the high elasticity of traditional crosslinked rubber with the good processability and recyclability of thermoplastics. Since the emergence of TPVs in the 1970s, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the research, development, and application of various types of TPVs to replace non-recyclable thermosetting rubbers. This chapter provides an overview of the recent development of TPVs, including (1) preparation methods, (2) formation mechanisms and microstructures, (3) performance, (4) various types of TPVs, such as general TPVs, special TPVs, and bio-based TPVs, and (5) perspectives and challenges of TPVs.