SBCs are multi-phase compounds in a poly (styrene-b-elastomer-b-styrene) structure in which the phases are chemically bonded by block copolymerization. Styrenics are most commonly used among the basic TPE categories. This is because styrenic block copolymers can successfully blend with many materials including fillers, extenders, additives, and other resins.

The properties of the block copolymer vary according to the chemical structure of the elastomer phase. The most commonly used soft phases are butadiene, isoprene, and ethylene-butylene monomers.

SBS, whose soft phase is butadiene, are not resistant to external conditions due to double bonds in their structures; as a result, they are prone to oxidation, UV degradation, and thermal aging, limiting their long-term outdoor performance.

On the other hand, SEBS whose soft phase is ethylene butylene, are produced by hydrogenating
SBS. They have very good heat, UV, oil, and chemical resistance due to the lack of double bonds in their structures. SEBS is the most commonly used styrenic block copolymer.

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are formed with homogeneous dispersion of crosslinked rubber parts in the thermoplastic phase through dynamic vulcanization.

Dynamic curing refers to the vulcanization or crosslinking of a polymer while mixing with another polymer in the molten state. Unlike static vulcanization, two polymer phases (elastomer and plastic) are required for dynamic vulcanization. Crosslinks and three-dimensional polymer structures are formed in dynamic vulcanization, as in static vulcanization. However, dynamic vulcanization entails the formation of these structures within small rubber particles dispersed in a non-crosslinked thermoplastic matrix. Phase transformation takes place during dynamic vulcanization that enables the formation of structures in this way. Phase transformation is the most important process determining TPV properties.

Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) are raw materials obtained by the mixing of uncrosslinked amorphous rubbers and semi-crystalline polyolefin thermoplastics in a molten state. Most commercial TPOs are physical mixtures of EPRs and PPs that do not contain double bonds. Production processes do not include a vulcanization step. It stands out with its resistance to impact and chemicals.