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The Material Upgrade Marine Manufacturers Have Been Waiting For
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have evolved dramatically from humble inflatable crafts to high-performance vessels trusted by militaries, rescue teams, and marine professionals worldwide. As demands grow for lighter, stronger, and more durable boats, manufacturers are reevaluating the materials that comprise their inflatable structures.
Enter aliphatic TPU—the advanced thermoplastic polyurethane revolutionizing RIB boat construction.
At E Squared Technical Textiles, we’ve engineered high-performance aliphatic TPU fabrics that redefine what’s possible in marine durability, aesthetics, and environmental resilience.
From PVC and Hypalon to TPU
Early RIBs relied on basic PVC and rubber compounds. Hypalon (CSM) advanced the game in the 1960s, offering better UV and chemical resistance. However, even Hypalon has its limits, especially under extreme marine conditions.
Modern RIBs face:
- Prolonged sun and saltwater exposure
- Rough usage in emergency deployments
- Demands for aesthetics and weight savings
Traditional materials struggle to keep up. Aliphatic TPU doesn’t.
What Is Aliphatic TPU?
Aliphatic TPU is a specialized formulation of polyurethane with an open-chain, non-aromatic chemical structure. This molecular difference yields massive performance gains:
- Unmatched UV resistance: No yellowing, cracking, or degradation under sunlight
- Superior abrasion and tear resistance: Withstands physical stress without added thickness
- Exceptional flexibility across temperatures: Performs from -50°C to 70°C
- Enhanced chemical and hydrolysis resistance: Ideal for saltwater and fuel exposure
- Naturally antimicrobial: Rated 0 for fungal growth
It’s the future-proof material the marine world has been waiting for.
Aliphatic TPU vs. Aromatic TPU
| Feature | FeatureAliphatic TPU | TPUAromatic TPU |
| UV Stability | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Color Retention | No yellowing | Fades over time |
| Flexibility | Excellent at extreme temps | Moderate |
| Marine Durability | Superior | Decent, but degrades faster |
| Ideal Use | RIBs, offshore vessels | Indoor/outdoor mixed-use |
Why Not Stick with Hypalon?
Hypalon has served the industry for decades, but it’s now phasing out in many regions due to environmental regulations and performance gaps.
Performance Factor | Aliphatic TPU | Hypalon (CSM) |
UV Resistance | Superior | Moderate |
Seam Construction | Fully weldable | Glue only (weaker, labor-intensive |
Weight | Lightweight | Heavier (requires thick coating) |
Durability | Exceptional | Moderate |
Environmental Impact | Lower emissions, recyclable | Toxic adhesives, limited recyclability |
Erez’s Premium Aliphatic TPU Grades for RIB Boats
TPU 2137 L
- Top-side 100% aliphatic TPU coating for max UV protection
- 550/550 N trapezoid tear strength
- -50°C to 70°C flexibility range
- <10mg abrasion loss per 1000 cycles (Taber test)
- 450/450 N/5cm weld adhesion
- Antibacterial rating: 0 (no growth)
Ideal for high-speed, high-UV marine vessels that require top-tier mechanical performance.
TPU 2051
- Engineered for tropical climates & saltwater exposure
- 2000 N puncture resistance
- Superior hydrolytic stability
- <5mg abrasion loss per 1000 cycles
- Antibacterial and highly flexible
- Same aliphatic UV coating as TPU 2137 L
Ideal for boats exposed to warm, wet, biologically active environments.
Common Industry Questions
Q: Is aliphatic TPU the same as aromatic TPU?
No. Aliphatic TPU is significantly more UV- and weather-resistant, which is crucial for outdoor marine use.
Q: Is polyurethane the same as polyaspartic?
No. Polyaspartics cure faster but lack the same impact and flexibility performance as high-grade TPU.
Q: How many types of polyurethane exist?
There are many: thermoplastics, thermosets, foams, coatings, and dispersions. For RIBs, thermoplastic aliphatic TPU is the superior option.
Why RIB Manufacturers Choose Erez Aliphatic TPU
- Extended Boat Life: Long-term durability means fewer replacements
- Reduced Warranty Claims: Fewer failures, fewer returns
- Aesthetic Longevity: No fading or yellowing
- All-Climate Resilience: Performs from Arctic to equator
- Environmental Compliance: Lower toxicity, recyclable, glue-free production.
The Future Is Aliphatic
RIB manufacturers worldwide are turning to aliphatic TPU to build stronger, lighter, longer-lasting boats.
At E Squared Technical Textiles, we partner with the top marine brands to deliver TPU materials that exceed real-world demands.
Ready to build the next generation of RIB boats?
Contact our team to explore samples, technical data, and custom formulations tailored to your marine application.
