VW 50123

Group Standard 2007-10

Class. No.: 55124

Descriptors: TPE, TPU, TPO, TPS, TPC, TPA, thermoplastic, elastomer, Santoprene, Sarlink, Thermoplast K, Hytrel, Arnitel

Thermoplastic Elastomers

Quality Requirements

Previous issues
2000-10, 2005-04

Changes
The following changes have been made as compared to Volkswagen standard VW 50123,
2005-04:
─ Section "Types of low hardness" modified

1 Scope
This standard contains quality requirements for materials on the basis of thermoplastic elastomers
(TPE) for motor vehicle components.

2 Definitions

2.1 Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)

Thermoplastic elastomers are elastomers that have a flow transition at temperatures above the
application range.
These elastomers are multi-phase materials that contain hard and soft segments as blocks in the
main chain or hard segments grafted as side chains on flexible base chains. The soft segments
form the movable areas necessary for the rubber elasticity. The cross-linked areas of these
materials are relatively easy to split by means of heat and thus limit the characteristic rubber elastic
application at higher temperatures. The thermoreversible cross-linkage of the TPE allows for
thermoplastic-like processing.
Check standard for current issue prior to usage.The English translation is believed to be accurate. In case of discrepancies the German version shall govern. Numerical
notation acc. to ISO practice. Page 1 of 9
This electronically generated standard is authentic and valid without signature.

Technical responsibility Standards department

K-GQS-1/4 Peter Schulz Tel.: +49-5361-9-24365

K-GQL-1/4 Dr. Lutz Wohlfarth Tel.: +49-5361-9-26049 EKTC/4 Ute Hager-Süß Tel.: +49-5361-9-49035
K-GQL-1 Dr. Thomas Schilling EKTC Manfred Terlinden

Confidential. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be transmitted or reproduced without the prior permission of a Standards department within the Volkswagen
Group. Contract partners shall obtain the standard only through the B2B supplier platform www.vwgroupsupply.com.
 VOLKSWAGEN AG vwnorm-2007-07
Page 2
VW 50123: 2007-10

2.2 Type groups

2.2.1 Types of low hardness

Hardness range ≤ 65 Shore A and hardness range > 65 Shore A.
Material markings no longer permitted for Material markings valid for new designs
new designs (acc. to DIN EN ISO 18064)
Description examples:
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE-U) Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
> PUR < > TPU-ARES < (aromatic hard segments / soft
ester segments)
> TPU-ARET < (aromatic hard segments / soft
ether segments)
Thermoplastic EPDM/PP elastomer Thermoplastic EPDM/PP elastomer
(TPE-O/V) (TPO / TPV)
> EPDM+PP < > TPO-(EPDM+PP) < for elastomer phases that
are not cross-linked
> TPV-(EPDM+PP) < for cross-linked elastomer
phases
Thermoplastic styrene block copolymer Thermoplastic styrene block copolymer (TPS)
(TPE-S) > TPS-SBS <
> PS/PE/PB <

2.2.2 Types of high hardness

Hardness range 40 to 50 Shore D.
Material markings no longer permitted for Material markings valid for new designs
new designs
Thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer Thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer
(TPE-E) (TPC)
> TEEE < > TPC-EE <
Thermoplastic polyether block amide elastomer Thermoplastic polyether block amide elastomer
(TPE-A) (TPA)
> PEBA < > TPA-ES <

3 Description

Description example for a black, light-resistant Santoprene® with a preferred hardness of

60 Shore A and a density of 1,04 g/cm3.
TPO-(EPDM+PP) acc. to VW 50123 – 60 Shore A, black, 1,04 g/cm3, light-resistant

4 Requirements

4.1 General requirements

Approval of first supply and changes acc. to Volkswagen standard VW 01155.
Avoidance of hazardous substances acc. to VW 91101.
TPE quality is preferably tested on components, component sections or, in exceptional cases, on
test plates.
 Page 3
VW 50123: 2007-10

On principle, samples shall be delivered with an indication of the manufacturer’s quality

designation.
The number of parts required for laboratory tests must be agreed upon with the responsible
material laboratory.
During the manufacture of plate material, anisotropic effects (= orientation of macromolecules
during manufacture) can be expected as a result of the plastic injection process. This leads to
differences in the mechanical characteristic values for strength and elongation depending on the
direction of the orientations. This must be taken into consideration during testing.
To do this, corresponding specimens shall be taken from the plate material in longitudinal and
crosswise direction and torn apart. Generally, the specimens taken crosswise to the direction of
orientation of the macromolecules exhibit lower strength and elongation values.
The specimens to be used for laboratory testing acc. to this standard shall be taken crosswise to
the orientation of the macromolecules.

4.2 Evaluation of the measuring results

The required numerical values apply to each individual measurement.
Parts whose grades cannot be classified on the basis of this standard require a separate Technical
Supply Specification or notes in the drawing.

4.3 Color in as-received condition

According to drawing.

4.4 Appearance
No visible flaws, inclusions, etc.

4.5 Material identification

4.5.1 IR, PY-GC/MS coupling

Pyrolysis GC/MS acc. to Test Specification PV 3935.

4.5.2 Thermogravimetry
See Section 6.1.
Volatile, polymer and nonvolatile portions shall be specified.

4.5.3 DSC
See Section 6.2.
The following shall be specified: Enthalpy of fusion, melt range (beginning of melt applies as Tm,
not the maximum peak), curves for 1st heating, 1st crystallization, 2nd heating and 2nd
crystallization.
Page 4
VW 50123: 2007-10

4.5.4 Dimensional stability under heat acc. to DIN EN ISO 306, method B
Only if required in the drawing, acc. to released sample.

4.5.5 Density acc. to DIN EN ISO 1183

Specification acc. to drawing.

4.6 Hardness

4.6.1 Shore A
Hardness range 55 to 80 Shore A for TPE that are subjected primarily to daytime light and weather
factors (e.g. TPO, TPV like Santoprene®, Sarlink®, Thermoplast K®).

4.6.2 Shore D
Hardness range 40 to 50 Shore D for TPE that can also come into contact with operating fluids,
such as oils, greases, fuels, crankcase gases (limited resistance) (e.g. TPC such as Hytrel®,
Arnitel®).

4.7 Low-temperature elasticity after 22 h aging at -40 °C

4.7.1 General
No cracks or fracture under manual bending stress.

4.7.2 Freeze temperature TG

According to drawing.

4.8 Ozone resistance acc. to VW 2.8.1, mounted similar to installed condition

Free of cracks.

4.9 Burning behavior acc. to Technical Supply Specification TL 1010

According to drawing.

4.10 Lightfastness acc. to VW 2.8.1

No changes compared to as-received condition, e.g. discoloring, embrittlement, decomposition,
cracks. Only required if "lightfastness" is specified additionally in the drawing.

4.11 Emission behavior according to VW 50180

According to drawing.
 Page 5
VW 50123: 2007-10

5 Properties
Hardness range Shore A, see Table 1.
Hardness range Shore D, see Table 2.

Table 1 – Hardness range Shore A

No. Property Unit Requirement
1 Hardness acc. to DIN 53505
1.1 As-received condition (preferred Shore A Acc. to sample
hardness)
1.2 Change as compared to as-received condition
1.2.1 After aging at elevated temperature, Shore A 0 to +3
see Section 6.3
1.2.2 After aging in operating fluids Shore A Only if required in the drawing. Limit
see Section 6.4, values to be specified.
medium according to drawing
2 Weight change after aging in operating % Only if required in the drawing. Limit
fluids, values to be specified.
see Section 6.4,
medium according to drawing
3 Tensile strength acc. to DIN 53504
3.1 As-received condition N/mm2 > 6 for as-received harnesses ≤ 65
3.2 After aging at elevated temperature, N/mm2 Shore A,
see Section 6.3 > 12 for as-received harnesses > 65
Shore A
3.3 After aging in operating fluids, N/mm2 Only if required in the drawing. Limit
see Section 6.4, values to be specified.
medium according to drawing
4 Elongation at tear acc. to DIN 53504
4.1 As-received condition %
4.2 After aging at elevated temperature, % > 250
see Section 6.3
4.3 After aging in operating fluids % Only if required in the drawing. Limit
see Section 6.4, values to be specified.
medium according to drawing
5 Tear propagation strength according to N/mm >8
DIN ISO 34-1, method A,
as-received condition
6 Permanent deformation acc. to PV 3307 % Acc. to drawing
7 Rebound resilience acc. to DIN 53512 % Only if required in the drawing. Limit
values to be specified.

Table 2 – Hardness range Shore D

No. Property Unit Requirement
1 Hardness acc. to DIN 53505
1.1 As-received condition (preferred Shore D 55 ±3
hardness)
1.2 Change as compared to as-received condition
Page 6
VW 50123: 2007-10

No. Property Unit Requirement

1.2.1 After aging at elevated temperature, Shore D 0 to +3
see Section 6.3
1.2.2 After aging in operating fluids,
see Section 6.4,
medium according to drawing
1.2.2.1 Engine oil acc. to TL 52185 Shore D ±5
1.2.2.2 Transmission oil acc. to TL 726 Shore D ±5
1.2.2.3 Grease acc. to TL 735 and TL 745 Shore D ±5
1.2.2.4 Gasoline FAM 2 acc. to VW 2.8.1 Shore D 0 to -15
1.2.2.5 Diesel fuel acc. to DIN ISO 1817 – F Shore D 0 to -15
1.2.2.6 Vegetable oil methyl ester acc. to Shore D 0 to -15
DIN EN 14214
1.2.2.7 Brake fluid acc. to TL 766 Shore D Acc. to drawing
1.2.2.8 Coolant acc. to TL 774 Shore D Acc. to drawing
1.2.2.9 Medium acc. to drawing Shore D Acc. to drawing
2 Weight change after aging in operating fluids,
see Section 6.4,
medium according to drawing
2.1 Engine oil acc. to TL 52185 % ±5
2.2 Transmission oil acc. to TL 726 % ±5
2.3 Grease acc. to TL 735 and TL 745 % ±5
2.4 Gasoline FAM 2 acc. to VW 2.8.1 % 0 to +30
2.5 Diesel fuel acc. to DIN ISO 1817 – F % 0 to +15
2.6 Vegetable oil methyl ester acc. to % 0 to +15
DIN EN 14214
2.7 Brake fluid acc. to TL 766 % ±5
2.8 Coolant acc. to TL 774 % ±5
2.9 Medium acc. to drawing % ±5
3 Tensile strength acc. to DIN 53504
3.1 As-received condition N/mm2 > 30
3.2 After aging at elevated temperature, N/mm2 > 30
see Section 6.3
3.3 After aging in operating fluids,
see Section 6.4,
medium according to drawing
3.3.1 Engine oil acc. to TL 52185 N/mm2 > 25
3.3.2 Transmission oil acc. to TL 726 N/mm2 > 25
3.3.3 Grease acc. to TL 735 and TL 745 N/mm2 > 25
3.3.4 Gasoline FAM 2 acc. to VW 2.8.1 N/mm2 > 20
3.3.5 Diesel fuel acc. to DIN ISO 1817 – F N/mm2 > 25
3.3.6 Vegetable oil methyl ester acc. to N/mm2 > 25
DIN EN 14214
3.3.7 Brake fluid acc. to TL 766 N/mm2 > 25
3.3.8 Coolant acc. to TL 774 N/mm2 > 25
3.3.9 Medium acc. to drawing N/mm2 > 25
4 Elongation at break acc. to DIN 53504
4.1 As-received condition % > 450
4.2 After aging at elevated temperature, % > 450
see Section 6.3
 Page 7
VW 50123: 2007-10

No. Property Unit Requirement

4.3 After aging in operating fluids
see Section 6.4
medium according to drawing
4.3.1 Engine oil acc. to TL 52185 % > 450
4.3.2 Transmission oil acc. to TL 726 % > 450
4.3.3 Grease acc. to TL 735 and TL 745 % > 450
4.3.4 Gasoline FAM 2 acc. to VW 2.8.1 % > 300
4.3.5 Diesel fuel acc. to DIN ISO 1817 – F % > 300
4.3.6 Vegetable oil methyl ester acc. to % > 300
DIN EN 14214
4.3.7 Brake fluid acc. to TL 766 % > 450
4.3.8 Coolant acc. to TL 774 % > 450
4.3.9 Medium acc. to drawing % > 450
5 Tear propagation strength acc. to N/mm > 40
DIN ISO 34-1
6 Notched impact strength acc. to kJ/m2 Acc. to sample; only if required in the
DIN EN ISO 179-1 at +23 °C drawing.
7 Behavior with respect to crankcase gases Acc. to sample; only if required in the
acc. to PV 3936 drawing.

6 Notes on testing

6.1 Thermogravimetry
E.g. Perking Elmer’s test equipment DSC7 may be used as testing device.
A finished part section weighing approx. 10 mg, which has been chopped into pieces with an edge
length of ≤ 1 mm by means of an appropriate tool, serves as a specimen.
The specimen is heated under nitrogen from +50 °C t o +700 °C at a heating rate of 20 °C/min and
then cooled under nitrogen to +400 °C at 20 °C/min. Subsequently, the nitrogen atmosphere is
replaced by oxygen. The specimen is now heated from +400 °C to +800 °C at a heating rate of
40 °C/min. The final temperature is maintained for 15 min. The flow rate of the test gases is
70 ml/min. At least 3 specimens removed from different areas of the finished part shall be tested.

6.2 DSC
E.g. Perking Elmer’s test equipment DSC7 may be used as testing device.
A plane parallel finished part section of a weight of approx. 10 mg serves as specimen.
The specimen is heated from +50 °C to +310 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C/min. Subsequently, the
specimen is cooled down to +150 °C at 5 °C/min and then heated again to +310 °C at a heating
rate of 10 °C/min. The test is carried out in norma l atmosphere.
To evaluate the enthalpy of fusion of the polymer, the residue determined in the thermogravimetry
must be subtracted from the real specimen weight.

6.3 Aging at elevated temperature

Aging in the mechanical circulation oven acc. to DIN 53508. Aging durations and temperatures
shall be agreed upon. Measurements to be taken after cooling to room temperature (23 ± 2) °C.
Page 8
VW 50123: 2007-10

6.4 Aging in operating fluids

6.4.1 Gasoline
The specimens are aged in FAM test fluid acc. to DIN 51604-2 (FAM 2).
Composition:
─ 84,5 volume percent FAM test fluid acc. to DIN 51604-1 (FAM 1),
─ 15,0 volume percent methanol,
─ 0,5 volume percent water.
Other test fluids may be used if required (deviations acc. to drawing).
168 h aging (other aging durations acc. to drawing) at room temperature (23 ± 2) °C; the specimen
shall be dabbed off with filter paper (black band) after aging; evaluation shall begin after 1 minute
(in justified cases, which must be agreed upon, evaluation may also begin 15 minutes after
removal).

6.4.2 Diesel fuel, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME)

168 h aging at room temperature (23 ± 2) °C. In jus tified cases, other aging durations and test
temperatures can be agreed upon. For aging in diesel fuel, the test fluid acc. to DIN ISO 1817-F
(old designation: A20/NP II standard diesel fuel by Haltermann comp.) with a proportion of fatty
acid methyl ester of 5 volume percent acc. to DIN EN 14214 shall be used.

6.4.3 Engine oil, transmission oil and grease

96 h aging duration. In justified cases, other aging times and test temperatures can be agreed
upon.

6.4.4 Coolant
S3A standard specimens are aged in an autoclave in test fluid consisting of 50 volume parts de-
ionized water and 50 volume parts coolant additive acc. to TL 774-D at 135 °C. Test durations are
subject to agreement. The fluid volume must be 150 to 180 times the specimen volume.
Subsequently the specimens are cooled down to (23 ± 2) °C in the test fluid within 2 hours and
measured.

6.4.5 Brake fluid

The specimens are aged in 75 ml brake fluid for 70 h at +120 °C. To do this, tightly closable glass
containers with approx. 250 ml volume and 50 mm diameter shall be used. After the test is over,
the elastomer parts are conditioned in the container at (23 ± 2)°C for 60 min to 90 min.
Subsequently, the specimens are removed from the liquid, rinsed briefly (max. 10 s) in isopropyl
alcohol and dried with a clean, fiber-free cloth. The measurements shall be performed within 60
min after the specimens have been rinsed in alcohol.
 Page 9
VW 50123: 2007-10

7 Referenced standards

The following documents cited in this standard are necessary for application.
In this Section, terminological inconsistencies may occur as the original titles are used.
PV 3307 Elastomer Components; Plastic and Elastic Deformability
PV 3935 Plastics and Elastomers; Pyrolytic Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
PV 3936 Polymer Material; Resistance Test to Components of Blow-By Gases
TL 726 Transmission Oil API GL 4 SAE 75W / SAE 80W; Lubricant Requirements
TL 735 Multi-Purpose Grease; Lubricant Requirements
TL 745 Multi-Purpose Low-Temperature Grease; Lubricant Requirements
TL 766 Brake Fluid; Material Requirements
TL 774 Ethylene Glycol-Based Coolant Additive; Material Requirements
TL 1010 Materials for Vehicle Interiors; Flammability, Material Requirements
TL 52185 Reference Engine Oil SAE 5W-30; Testing of Compatibility with Respect to
Elastomer Materials; Lubricant Requirements
VW 2.8.1 Elastomers; Material Requirements and Testing
VW 01155 Vehicle Supply Parts; Approval of First Supply and Changes
VW 50180 Components in Passenger Compartment; Emission Behavior
VW 91101 Environmental Standard for Vehicles; Vehicle Parts, Materials, Operating
Fluids; Avoidance of Hazardous Substances
DIN 51604-1 FAM Testing Fluid for Polymer Materials; Composition and Requirements
DIN 51604-2 Methanolic FAM Testing Fluid for Polymer Materials; Composition and
Requirements
DIN 53504 Testing of Rubber – Determination of Tensile Strength at Break, Tensile Stress
at Yield, Elongation at Break and Stress Values in a Tensile Test
DIN 53505 Testing of Rubber – Shore A and Shore D Hardness Test
DIN 53508 Testing of Rubber – Accelerated Ageing
DIN 53512 Testing of Rubber – Determination of Rebound Resilience (Schob pendulum)
DIN EN 14214 Automotive Fuels; Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) for Diesel Engines;
Requirements and Test Methods
DIN EN ISO 179-1 Plastics; Determination of Charpy Impact Properties – Part 1: Non-
Instrumented Impact Test
DIN EN ISO 306 Plastics – Thermoplastic Materials – Determination of Vicat Softening
Temperature (VST)
DIN EN ISO 18064 Thermoplastic Elastomers; Nomenclature and Abbreviated Terms
DIN EN ISO 1183-1 Plastics – Methods for Determining the Density of Non-Cellular Plastics – Part
1 – Immersion Method, Liquid Pyknometer Method and Titration Method
DIN ISO 34-1 Rubber, Vulcanized or Thermoplastic – Determination of Tear Strength - Part
1: Trouser, Angle and Crescent Test Pieces
DIN ISO 1817 Rubber, Vulcanized – Determination of the Effect of Liquids