What is a TPU Phone Case?

Everybody wants to protect their phone, but the truth of the matter is not every case gives us the right mix of protection and style. Have you ever bought a phone case just to find out it didn’t hold up under daily wear and tear or keep your phone safe from drops? Can you imagine your phone sliding out of your hand, and your case making as much defense as a piece of paper? It’s a maddening experience, one that can cost you more than just a new case; it can cost you a new phone.

Now, let’s talk about a phone case that actually solves these problems: TPU phone cases. These cases bring together flexibility, durability, and attractive design in a nice package that gives you great protection without giving up your style. Want to know more? Let’s talk about what TPU phone cases are and why they might be what your phone needs.

What is a TPU Phone Case?

A TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) This phone case is made from TPU, a synthetic material known for its excellent durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental stressors like heat, oil, and grease. TPU’s unique properties make it an ideal choice for phone cases, as it can absorb shock from an accidental drop, but it provides a firm, snug fit that offers full coverage of the phone’s vulnerable edges and corners. Unlike silicone cases, which can stretch out over time, TPU cases provide strength and flexibility in balance. All of these features make TPU the perfect material for protecting your phone without adding unnecessary bulk.

In addition to being highly flexible, TPU cases are scratch and abrasion resistant and help protect against anything you could spill or throw onto them. They have better friction so your phone isn’t as likely to fall out of your hands. Additionally, they come in a wide variety of styles, designs, and colors. This way, you can get more out of your case by personalizing it, but still getting maximum protection.

In short, if you want a case that provides both style and protection, you will want a TPU case. On top of that, this also happens to be a responsible choice, because TPU is eco-friendly and recyclable too.

Now you know what TPU phone cases are and why they’re so popular, but let’s get more practical with them now. We know TPU phone cases are durable, but how do they compare to other materials? Do they have any downside, like turning yellow over time? Most importantly, how do you keep your TPU phone case lasting as long as possible? We’ll explore those topics next.

How Durable are TPU Phone Cases Compared to Other Materials?

For phone cases, durability is everything, and they’re the champ for that. TPU phone cases are built to last and are going to be way more durable than other popular materials, like silicone, hard plastic, or leather.

• Impact Resistance: TPU is a semi-rigid material that can absorb the shocks from drops and hits effectively. Unlike hard plastic cases, which might crack under pressure, TPU cases can bend when they hit things, evening out the force before it hits your phone, so the impact isn’t as bad as it would be with a hard plastic case.
• Scratch and Abrasion Resistance: TPU is also scratch-resistant, so your case will maintain its slick look over time, even if you handle it a lot or throw it in your bag or pocket with your keys, etc.
• Longevity Compared to Silicone: Silicone cases can protect well, but they don’t last as long, especially when you stretch them out to put them on your phone. TPU cases keep their shape so they’re going to last longer and protect better for a longer time.
• Resilience Against Heat and Chemicals: TPU is resistant to heat, oils, and greases, which add to its longevity. This is especially useful, as then the phone will be in places with higher temperatures than the phone can handle, and if the phone is exposed to greasy surfaces.

In comparison to materials like leather, which can degrade or show scratches over time, or wood, which can crack or splinter, TPU is a better material in terms of durability. TPU cases are more rigid (less flexible), better at overall protection, and better at maintaining their look over time than rubber cases.

Do TPU Phone Cases Turn Yellow?

One problem with clear TPU (thermoplastic urethane) phone cases is they have a tendency to turn yellow over time. This can happen for a few reasons:

1. Exposure to UV Light: Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays is a significant cause of TPU discoloration. UV rays break down the chemical bonds in TPU, leading to a yellowish hue.
2. Heat: Excessive heat from the environment or even from the phone itself can accelerate the oxidation process, making the case turn yellow.
3. Oils and Sweat: Natural oils from your hands and sweat can also contribute to TPU yellowing. Over time, these substances accumulate and interact with the material, causing it to degrade and discolor.

While this issue mainly affects clear TPU cases, even colored TPU can show signs of discoloration if exposed to harsh environmental factors for prolonged periods. However, this doesn’t mean your TPU case is destined to yellow. There are ways to mitigate this issue.

How to Prevent TPU From Yellowing?

Preventing TPU from turning yellow is possible with a few proactive measures:

1. Use UV-Resistant TPU: Opt for a TPU material made from a UV resistant material. These materials are formulated specifically to resist the damaging effects of UV light so they don’t turn yellow as quickly.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your phone case out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Storing your phone in a cool location or out of direct sunlight can slow the yellowing process.
3. Regular Cleaning: Clean your phone case frequently to remove any oils, sweat, and dirt. Using a magic eraser or mild soap solution can effectively clean your TPU case without damaging the material.
4. Anti-Yellowing Coatings: Some companies apply anti-yellowing coatings to TPU products. It acts as a top protective layer to prevent discoloration. If you are in the market for a new TPU case, you will want to find one that advertises anti-yellowing features.

What are the Best Anti-Yellowing Coatings for TPU Products?

And if you’re wanting that extra level of protection from yellowing, there are several TPU cases that come with specializations to avoid yellowing. Some of the best options are:

• UV-Resistant Coatings: Formulated with UV absorbers that block harmful UV rays from penetrating the TPU, helping to prevent discoloration caused by sunlight.
• Aliphatic TPU Coatings: Aliphatic TPU does not contain benzene rings, which are more prone to yellowing. Therefore, cases made with or coated in aliphatic TPU are much less likely to discolor.
• Anti-Yellowing Additives: Many high-end TPU products incorporate anti-yellowing additives designed to stabilize the material against the environmental factors that contribute to yellowing, such as heat, UV exposure and oxidation.
• Premium TPU Resins: Cases made from high-quality TPU resins, such as ESTANE® TPU, are mspecifically formulated to resist yellowing over time, maintaining clarity and appearance for the life of the product.

By using these coatings and maintaining your TPU case properly, you can extend its lifespan and keep it looking clear and pristine for years.

Conclusion

TPU phone cases are an ideal combination of durability, flexibility, and style, making them one of the most superior phone case options available to you. While they are prone to yellowing, you can help prevent this by taking good care of them and ensuring they contain an anti-yellowing formula. Whether you are looking for incredible shockproof capability, an ultra-strong scratch-resistant surface, or something that simply looks impressive and lasts a long time, TPU phone cases are the case you need to get. So why settle for a piece of garbage that is going to let you down when you can have something that is going to look cool and perform beautifully, toughness and beauty to boot?