Silicone Versus TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
Silicone, also known as silicone rubber, is a mixture of silicon polymer with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a mixture of plastic and rubber. Every manufacturer uses their own formula, which means that TPE is more of a "catch-all" which may include several compounds which differ from manufacturer to manufacturer . This means that TPE quality may vary wildly between manufacturers, especially among "knock-off" brands.
Even high-quality TPE is less expensive to produce than silicone, which means that even high-end TPE dolls are more affordable than those made from silicone. TPE is becoming more popular, largely as a product of the lower price, but also because it is softer to the touch compared to silicone, and has a more realistic "jiggle factor". However, doll owners say that silicone dolls can sometimes last longer than TPE dolls due to being more resistant to damage.
TPE Pros And Cons
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Silicone Pros And Cons
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Pros
- TPE is softer to the touch compared to silicone - generally, although can be made to be a soft as TPE, but then is weaker.
- More elastic and flexible which can handle more positions compared to silicone
- Retains warmth, but sensitive to excessive heat
- Cheaper than silicone
- Skin has a more realistic look compared to silicone
- Hypoallergenic
- Can be invisibly mended (with care) using TPE solvent
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Pros
- Allows for greater fine detail in the vagina and anus
- Retains colouring much longer than TPE
- Less sensitive to heat than TPE, but retains less warmth
- Easier to clean, and can be sterilized
- More resistant to damage, water, and staining
- Less required maintenance and can be repaired with silicone adhesive
- As silicone is heat resistant, can include integrated heating systems for added realism
- Hypoallergenic
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Cons
- More prone to staining than silicone
- Naturally sticky. This can be fixed by rubbing baby powder or corn starch over the doll
- Porous. Mould can grow in the doll over time if doll is not cleaned and dried regularly
- TPE cannot be sterilized
- Harder to repair compared to silicone
- TPE requires baby oil and/or petroleum jelly treatments to keep material "saturated" and avoid damage and deterioration.
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Cons
- More expensive than TPE
- Generally not as soft as TPE. Feels more like muscle
- Breasts and booty will not "jiggle" so will require gel implants
- While less sticky than TPE, does require baby powder or corn starch to make smooth
- While easier to clean than TPE, requires cleaning and can mould if moisture is not dried - although mould can be wiped from silicone with ease
- Skin has an unnatural sheen and looks less realistic compared to TPE unless a textured surface is employed.
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A much more detailed examination of Thermo Plastic Elastomers was provided by Paul Martin at:
https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/thermoplastic-elastomer
