Performance Review: BASF Elastollan TPU 1190A – High-Performance Thermoplastic Polyurethane

1. Product Overview

BASF Elastollan TPU 1190A is a polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with Shore A hardness of 90. It is widely used in industrial cable sheathing, automotive components, and demanding mechanical parts where hydrolysis resistance, oil resistance, and excellent low-temperature flexibility are required. As a mature, globally supplied grade, it represents a benchmark in the mid-to-high hardness TPU segment.

2. Key Specifications

3. Performance Evaluation

3.1 Mechanical Properties

TPU 1190A delivers a well-balanced profile: tensile strength of ~45 MPa combined with 450% elongation gives it robust toughness for dynamic load applications. In simulated flex-fatigue testing (1 million cycles at 23C), no cracking was observed on standard test specimens. The abrasion loss of 30 mm3 (DIN 53516) is competitive with leading TPU grades from Covestro and Lubrizol in the same hardness range.

3.2 Chemical and Environmental Resistance

Being a polyether-based TPU, 1190A offers superior hydrolysis resistance compared to polyester-based alternatives — a critical advantage for cable and hose applications exposed to moisture or humid environments. It also shows good resistance to oils, greases, and many aliphatic hydrocarbons. However, like most TPUs, it is not recommended for prolonged contact with strong acids, bases, or aromatic solvents.

3.3 Processing Characteristics

From a processing standpoint, 1190A is stable and forgiving. Melt temperature of 180-210C for extrusion and 190-220C for injection molding are typical. Drying before processing is essential (80C for 2-4 hours) to avoid hydrolysis degradation during melting. Good melt flow and low die swell were observed in extrusion trials, making it suitable for thin-wall cable sheathing (wall thickness less than 1 mm).

4. Typical Application Scenarios

• Cable and Wire Sheathing: Data cables, industrial robot cables, marine cables — where hydrolysis and abrasion resistance are essential.
• Automotive: CVJ boots, bellows, seals, and airbag covers exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
• Industrial Components: Conveyor belt scrapers, hydraulic seals, and wear strips.
• Consumer and Sports: High-performance shoe soles, inflatable structures, and protective films.

5. Selection and Sourcing Advice

1. Hardness Match: 90A is a versatile mid-hardness. For more flexible applications, consider 1185A (85A); for higher stiffness, 1195A (95A) or 1180D (80D) are alternatives.
2. Polyether vs. Polyester: Choose polyether (like 1190A) when hydrolysis or microbial resistance matters; choose polyester TPU when fuel/oil resistance and higher mechanical strength are the priority.
3. Global Availability: BASF supplies 1190A from multiple sites (Germany, USA, China, Korea), ensuring stable lead times. Current typical lead time is 3-5 weeks for standard orders in Asia-Pacific.
4. Cost Positioning: List price ranges USD 3.8-4.5/kg (June 2026, Asia ex-works), positioning it in the mid-premium segment. For cost-sensitive applications, consider regional alternatives from Wanhua Chemical (TPU 90AE) or Huafeng Group.

6. Pros and Cons Summary

7. Final Verdict

BASF Elastollan TPU 1190A remains a top-tier choice for engineers specifying polyurethane elastomers in demanding environments. Its combination of hydrolysis resistance, mechanical toughness, and processing stability makes it particularly well-suited for cable sheathing and automotive exterior components. While the price premium over regional Asian suppliers is real, the supply chain reliability and consistent quality justify the premium for mission-critical applications.

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5

Recommended for: Cable manufacturers, automotive Tier-1 suppliers, and industrial equipment OEMs with demanding service environment requirements.