TPX™ (PMP)

The high-value-added product TPX™ from Mitsui Chemicals is a transparent plastic (Polymethyl pentene) that is heat resistant and boasts superior releasability. It is one of the lightest polymer materials among thermoplastic plastics for commercial use, and can be used for a wide range of your purposes.

Applications detail

• PTFE replacement
• Wire and cable
• Connectors
• Mandrels and sheath
• Release paper
• Release film
• Resin modification
• Labware
• Medical
• Hollow fibers
• Cosmetics

Applications

Electrics

Other (healthcare)

Wires, cables

Medical packaging

Food packaging

Films, sheets

Medical device materials

Daily life, household materials etc.

Water treatment

Semiconductor process materials

Characteristics

Heat resistance

Chemical resistance

TPX™ (Polymethylpentene)

A transparent plastic that has great heat resistant, releasability and light weight.

TPX special site, Safety Data Sheets and Case Studies are available in the special site.

Basic information
Characteristics
Applications

Summary

TPX™ is a high-performance transparent polymer (Polymethylpentene, PMP) exclusively manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals. Recognized for its exceptional heat resistance, release properties, and chemical resistance, TPX™ is widely utilized in industrial applications. These include mandrels and sheaths for high-pressure rubber hose production, mold cups for LED light manufacturing, as well as release films used in flexible printed circuits (FPC) and release papers in synthetic leather production.

TPX™ is also well-suited for food-related applications such as food wraps, preservation packs and baking cartons. Furthermore, it is used in laboratory equipment and medical applications.

Beyond its use as a standalone resin, TPX™ serves as an effective modifier for various thermoplastics, including PP, PET, TPO, and PA. It enhances heat resistance, releasability, and weight reduction while also offering light-blocking properties.

Notably, TPX™ has the lowest density among thermoplastic polymers, enabling the production of lightweight molded components. This weight reduction contributes to lower environmental impact during transportation. Additionally, TPX™ is a halogen-free material, reinforcing its reputation as an environmentally friendly polymer.

To support customers navigating PFAS restrictions and PTFE replacement challenges, we actively collaborate to leverage TPX™ as an alternative. With properties similar to fluoropolymers—such as heat resistance, releasability, chemical resistance, and dielectric properties—TPX™ provides a reliable and sustainable solution for a wide range of applications.

Heat resistance

TPX™ has a high melting point in the range from 220°C to 240°C and a high vicat softening temperature. Hence, it can be used for high temperature application. However, as heat distortion temperature of TPX™ is almost same as that of polypropylene, the application under high-stress environment needs to be carefully considered.

Releasability

TPX™ exhibits an exceptionally low surface tension of 24 mN/m, making it one of the lowest among non-fluorinated polymers, second only to fluoropolymers. This low surface tension contributes to its outstanding releasability.

Transparency

Although TPX™ is a semi-crystalline polymer, it offers exceptional transparency, with haze below 5% and excellent light transmittance. Notably, TPX™ is used in optical analysis cells due to its superior UV transmittance compared to glass and other transparent polymers, making it an ideal material for applications requiring high optical clarity.

Gas permeability

TPX™ possesses outstanding gas permeability, a characteristic inherent to its molecular structure. This makes it highly suitable for gas-permeable applications, including gas separation membranes, where efficient permeability is essential.

Chemical resistance

Due to its stable carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds, TPX™ offers superior chemical resistance compared to polycarbonate and acrylic polymers. It exhibits excellent resistance, particularly against acids, alkalis, and alcohols. As a result, TPX™ is widely used in applications requiring high chemical resistance, such as cosmetic container caps and tubes, laboratory equipment, and analytical cells.

Low dielectric property

Due to its non-polar structure, TPX™ exhibits dielectric properties comparable to fluoropolymer materials. Notably, its dielectric performance remains stable across a wide frequency range and is minimally affected by frequency variations. Unlike PTFE, TPX™ can also be injection-molded, offering greater processing versatility.Due to its stable carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds, TPX™ offers superior chemical resistance compared to polycarbonate and acrylic polymers. It exhibits excellent resistance, particularly against acids, alkalis, and alcohols. As a result, TPX™ is widely used in applications requiring high chemical resistance, such as cosmetic container caps and tubes, laboratory equipment, and analytical cells.

Food contact approval grades

Steam resistance

TPX™ has exceptionally low water absorption, ensuring that its dimensions remain stable even in humid conditions. Additionally, it is resistant to hydrolysis in boiling water, making it ideal for applications requiring steam sterilization, such as laboratory equipment and animal cages.

Light weight

TPX™ has the lowest density among thermoplastic polymers (830 kg/m³) and a larger specific volume compared to other transparent polymers. This unique property allows for significant weight reduction in injection-molded products when using TPX™ or its compounds.