ISO 16365-1:2014

Overview

ISO 16365-1:2014 defines a standardized designation system for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers used for moulding and extrusion. The standard sets out a clear naming pattern-based on ISO 1043 and ISO 11469-that allows manufacturers, specifiers and users to identify TPU type, composition indicators (fillers, flame retardants, recyclate), intended processing and key designatory properties (hardness and tensile modulus). It applies to TPUs supplied as powders, granules or pellets, unmodified or modified with colourants, fillers or other additives. The designation system can be used as the basis for material specifications but does not replace test procedures or processing guidance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Designation structure: Identity Block (standard number + Individual Item Block) subdivided into five Data Blocks:
  • Data Block 1 - polymer identification (e.g., TPU subtype such as TPU-ARES, TPU-ALET) including hard/soft segment chemistry.
  • Data Block 2 - fillers/reinforcements, form and nominal mass content; flame retardant and recyclate declaration (e.g., (GF+MD)35, FR(30), R50).
  • Data Block 3 - intended application and processing method codes (extrusion, moulding, coating, etc.) plus additives/characteristics.
  • Data Block 4 - designatory properties: hardness (coded ranges based on Shore A/D measured to ISO 868) and tensile modulus (coded ranges based on ISO 527).
  • Data Block 5 - optional additional specification information for application-specific requirements.
• Measurement references: Hardness per ISO 868 (Shore A/D) and tensile modulus per ISO 527. Code ranges map to practical property bands rather than single-point values.
• Scope & limitations: Applies to all TPU elastomers ready for normal use; it is intended for unambiguous identification and as a basis for specifications but does not provide engineering performance data or processing conditions-these must be obtained via testing (see ISO 16365-2 and -3).

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 16365-1:

• TPU producers and compounders - for consistent material identification and batch labelling.
• Product designers and engineers - to select TPU grades by standardized hardness/modulus bands and composition flags.
• Moulders, extruders and converters - for specifying feedstock and ensuring compatibility with process requirements.
• Procurement and quality teams - to create reproducible purchase specifications and acceptance criteria.
• Regulatory bodies and standardizers - for product marking, recyclate declarations and compliance.

Typical applications include automotive components, footwear, tubing, film and profiles where clear material designation, filler content, flame retardancy or recyclate content must be communicated.

Related standards

• ISO 1043 (symbols/abbreviations), ISO 11469 (generic plastic marking), ISO 18064 (thermoplastic elastomer nomenclature), ISO 868 (Shore hardness), ISO 527 (tensile testing), ISO 16365-2 and ISO 16365-3 (test methods and material distinction).