What Are the Key Applications of Polyolefin Elastomers (POE)?

Polyolefin Elastomers (POE) are advanced polymers made mainly from ethylene and alpha-olefins. They combine rubber-like elasticity with thermoplastic processability, making them highly versatile in industrial applications.

Composition and Properties

POE is synthesized using metallocene or Ziegler–Natta catalysts, offering a balance between softness, flexibility, and durability.

• Excellent elasticity and impact resistance

• Low glass transition temperature for flexibility at low temperatures

• Good chemical resistance against oils and solvents

• Easy to blend with other polyolefins like PP and PE

Features

• Superior toughness and flexibility

• Lightweight and recyclable

• Low shrinkage with dimensional stability

• Excellent clarity for transparent applications

Applications

1. Automotive – bumpers, weather seals, dashboard skins, impact modifiers.

2. Packaging – flexible films, shrink wrap, seal layers.

3. Wire & Cable – insulation and jacketing materials.

4. Consumer Goods – footwear, toys, sporting goods.

5. Industrial Uses – adhesives, soft-touch overmolding, roofing membranes.

Specifications

• Density: 0.86–0.89 g/cm³

• Shore hardness: 25A–65D (depending on grade)

• Tensile strength: 5–20 MPa

• Melt flow rate (MFR): wide range for different processing methods

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Easy processing with standard thermoplastic equipment

• Cost-effective alternative to thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)

• Compatible with recycling streams

Limitations:

• Lower heat resistance compared to engineering elastomers

• Limited oil resistance vs. fluorinated rubbers

FAQs

Q1: Is POE suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, with UV stabilizers, POE performs well in weather-resistant applications.

Q2: Can POE replace PVC in cable insulation?
Yes, it’s widely used as a safer and more flexible alternative to PVC.

Q3: Is POE food-contact safe?
Certain POE grades comply with FDA/EFSA standards for food packaging.