Yantai, Shandong, China – September 29, 2026 – In aircraft and automotive fuel tank applications, TPU selection is not based on “fuel resistance” alone. It must be based on a comprehensive evaluation of contact media, temperature range, service life, and safety standards. The key selection parameters are added below.

I. TPU for Aircraft Bladder Fuel TanksApplication Characteristics

Aircraft bladder fuel tanks require materials that are extremely lightweight, fuel-resistant, low-temperature resistant, antistatic, and flame retardant, and that can minimize fuel leakage and fire risk in a crash. Polyether-based TPU is commonly used, formed into film by hot pressing or extrusion casting and then welded into shape.

Key Selection Parameters

Parameter	Typical Requirement / Recommended Value	Description
TPU Type	Polyether-based	Hydrolysis resistant and low-temperature flexible, suitable for high-altitude cold environments
Hardness	80A–90A	Balances flexibility and strength
Tensile Strength	≥ 25 MPa	Ensures pressure resistance and tear resistance
Elongation at Break	≥ 450%	Adapts to wing deformation and impact
Tear Strength	≥ 60 kN/m	Prevents crack propagation
Brittleness Temperature	≤ -50°C	Does not become brittle at low temperatures
Fuel Resistance	Tensile strength retention after immersion ≥ 50%	Complies with CTSO-C80 liner strength test
Fuel Permeation Rate	≤ 1 g/m²/day	Reduces fuel loss
Hydrolysis Resistance	70°C/95%RH, 7 days, strength retention ≥ 80%	Advantage of polyether type
Surface Resistivity	10⁶–10⁹ Ω	Antistatic, prevents static charge accumulation
Flame Retardancy	Must pass aviation flame retardant tests	Improves safety
Density	1.10–1.20 g/cm³	Lightweight
Processing Method	Hot pressing, extrusion casting, high-frequency welding	Suitable for bladder tank forming
Certification Standards	CTSO-C80, FAR 25.853, etc.	Mandatory aviation requirements

II. TPU for Automotive Fuel SystemsApplication Characteristics

In automobiles, TPU is mainly used for fuel line inner layers, fuel tank caps, fuel pump seals, fuel filter housings, and fuel tank liners. It requires gasoline/diesel resistance, low permeation, heat resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and long-term stability.

Key Selection Parameters

Parameter	Typical Requirement / Recommended Value	Description
TPU Type	Polyester-based or polyether-based	For pure fuel, choose polyester-based; if moisture may be present, choose polyether-based; multilayer pipes often use a polyester inner layer + polyether outer layer
Hardness	85A–95A	Commonly used for fuel lines
Tensile Strength	≥ 30 MPa	Withstands fuel pressure and vibration
Elongation at Break	≥ 400%	Maintains flexibility
Tear Strength	≥ 80 kN/m	Resists damage during pipe assembly
Fuel Volume Swell	≤ 15%	After immersion in gasoline or diesel
Fuel Permeation Rate	< 1 g/m²/day	Meets low-emission requirements
Low-Temperature Flexibility	No cracking at -40°C	Used in cold regions
Heat Resistance	Long-term 90–120°C	Engine compartment high temperature
Hydrolysis Resistance	Polyether type: strength retention ≥ 80%	Prevents degradation in humid environments
Density	1.10–1.25 g/cm³	Affects weight and cost
Melt Flow Index	Adjusted according to extrusion/injection	Extrusion grade requires high melt strength
Processing Method	Extrusion, injection molding, multilayer co-extrusion	Fuel lines are often multilayer structures
Certification Standards	SAE J30, SAE J2260, DIN 73378	Automotive fuel system standards

III. Core Selection Principles

1. Aircraft bladder fuel tanks: Prioritize polyether-based TPU, focusing on low-temperature flexibility, fuel resistance retention, antistatic properties, flame retardancy, and CTSO-C80 certification.
2. Automotive fuel lines: Prioritize polyester-based TPU (better fuel resistance). If moisture or biodiesel is involved, choose polyether-based or a polyester/polyether composite structure.
3. Multilayer structure: Automotive fuel lines often use TPU inner layer + barrier layer + TPU outer layer. The inner layer handles fuel resistance, while the outer layer handles weather and hydrolysis resistance.
4. Safety indicators: Aircraft must focus on antistatic and flame retardant properties; automobiles must focus on permeation rate and low-temperature flexibility.
5. Processing match: Bladder tanks use hot pressing/welding grade; fuel lines use extrusion grade; seals use injection molding grade.

One-Sentence Summary

For aircraft bladder fuel tanks, choose polyether-based TPU, focusing on low-temperature flexibility, antistatic properties, flame retardancy, and CTSO-C80. For automotive fuel systems, choose polyester-based or polyether-based TPU, focusing on fuel resistance, low permeation, heat resistance, and SAE J30. Hardness, tensile strength, tear strength, fuel resistance retention, permeation rate, and brittleness temperature are the common core selection parameters.

About us

Yantai Linghua New Material Co., Ltd. (referred to as “Linghua New Material”), the main production is thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU). We are a professional TPU supplier founded in 2010. Our company covers an area of about 63,000 square meters, with the factory building of 35,000 square meters, equipped with 5 production lines, and a total of 20,000 square meters of workshops, warehouses, and office buildings. We are a large-scale new material manufacturing enterprise that integrates raw material trade, material research and development, and product sales throughout the entire industry chain, with an annual output of 30,000 tons of polyols and 50,000 tons of TPU and downstream products. We have a professional technology and sales team, with independent intellectual property rights, and have passed ISO9001 certification, AAA credit rating certification.

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Company Name: Yantai Linghua New Material Co., Ltd.
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Phone: +86 13361376197
Address:Floor 12, Yeda Zhigu Comprehensive Center Building, No. 300 Changjiang Road, Yantai ETDZ, FTZ Yantai Area
City: Shandong
Country: China
Website: https://www.ytlinghua.com/