1. Materials

Both Silicone and TPE materials are elastomer materials, TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer material, and silicone is a thermosetting elastomer. In addition to the simplest touch feel, the method of differentiation is also the burning method. When silica gel burns, white smoke is emitted, forming a gray-white residue; while TPE emits black smoke like plastic, forming black oily impurities.

TPE & Silicone Molecular Structure Graph

The material basis of TPE is SEBS, which is hydrogenated styrene-butadiene block copolymer. We will not explore it too much here. You only need to know that the softness and hardness of TPE is mainly related to the filling density, oil filling amount and PP content of SEBS raw materials, which can be several times lower than the hardness of silicone.

TPE has the characteristics of high strength, high resilience, and can be injection molded. It has a wide range of applications. It is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and safe, has a soft touch, has weather resistance, fatigue resistance and temperature resistance. It has good processing performance and can be reused or Individually formed. Note that because of its excellent colorability, TPE material is very easy to dye.

The density of silica gel is higher than that of TPE. If silica gel is compared to rubber, then TPE is like a sponge. After magnifying several times, you can see that the molecular structure of TPE is like a sponge, with countless pores, while silica gel is tighter, so silica gel is more compact than TPE. TPE has better anti-aging properties.

The high density of silicone gives it greater plasticity and greater room for weight reduction. Therefore, silicone is better than TPE in making dolls with details such as body curves and skin texture.

2. Feel

The elasticity of TPE is unmatched by silicone. The TPE material can freely control the different densities of each part of the physical doll body, so that each part of the doll has a realistic touch.

During refilling, areas that require greater softness can be adjusted to be hollow to ensure that the curvature, stiffness and solid feel are better restored than silicone. Of course, with the development of technology, silicone dolls can already use ultra-soft silicone with Shore C hardness to enhance the experience, but the cost will increase even more.

3. Smell

Dolls made of additive silicone do not have any odor. TPE materials, even the imported polymer TPE have a more or less glue smell.

In addition, many businesses use the method of adding fragrances. The main purpose of adding fragrances is to remove the smell of the materials themselves and create a romantic atmosphere. Flavors are divided into natural and synthetic ones. Natural flavors are environmentally friendly and non-toxic, but the cost is higher, while artificial flavors are The essence has a strong fragrance, but has many chemical components. For example, if the fragrance of the doll is too strong, you need to pay more attention.

4. Texture

Because the silicone material is hard, it is better than TPE in shaping the details of the head. Some simulated facial lines and edges can only be shown by silicone, while TPE has a rounder overall look due to its softness.

5. Stretching

Silicone can be stretched three to five times depending on the formula, while TPE can be stretched six to eight times, so TPE has better tensile strength and can perform more extreme movements. If silicone is used to make a doll’s body, care is required. Don’t move too much, otherwise it will tear easily.

6. Durability

Silicone is resistant to high temperatures, acids and alkalis, and hardly reacts with any substances except for highly corrosive items, so your makeup will last longer and be more beautiful. TPE’s anti-aging resistance is not as good as that of silicone。