THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERIC (TPE) MATERIALS AND THEIR USE IN OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL INSULATION

The use of polymeric materials has become very popular since last thirty years in many applications. The materials in this category can be broadly divided into two categories i.e. thermo set and thermoplastics. With increasing the world's concern about recyclability and environment protection issues thermoplastics have gained more attraction over the thermo set. Thermoplastic elastomers are novel constructional polymers, which are physically cross linked materials made up of a thermoplastic and an elastomer. TPE have been the interest of numerous researchers world wide since last three decades. Thermoplastic elastomers have a very widespread application domain. This paper reviews the history, physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical characteristics, advantages and uses of these materials along with a particular focus on their use as outdoor electrical insulation. Results of using different kinds of thermoplastic materials as outdoor insulation in different environments of world are also reviewed. This review expected to be useful for researchers working on thermoplastic elastomers in general and particularly for those working in filed of electrical insulation.