Pebax® Polyether Block Amide — A New Family of Engineering Thermoplastic Elastomers

This growing family of thermoplastic elastomers, known generically as polyether block amides (PEBA), is comprised of rigid polyamide blocks and flexible polyether blocks. Through the proper combination of polyamide and polyether segments, a wide range of grades that offer a variety of end-use performance characteristics are possible. In general, these polymers are characterized as having a broad range of flexibility without the use of plasticizers, extremely good low temperature flexibility characteristics, high strength and toughness. This paper covers the history of development, general chemistry and main performance characteristics of PEBA. Several particular areas of use for PEBA are also included.