Thermoplastic Elastomer（TPE）was commercially produced first about 45 years ago. This article affords basic knowledge, then reviews recent technological trends and the future of TPE, especially in Japan.
Many new kinds or new grades of TPE with high performance have been appeared in last about 10 years. As the typical examples, hydrogenated type TPS and TPV in TPO/TPEE/TPAE are given. As new type TPEs, SIBS and MMAnBA-MMA block copolymers have been put on the market recently.
Since TPEs are useful materials from the viewpoints of global environmental problem, energy saving, and declining birthrate/aging society problem, their market will expand in the future.