Thermoplastics offer advantages over rubber for hoses

Paul Boughton

Automotive and industrial tubes and hoses vary widely, ranging from vacuum brake tubing and pneumatic tubing to hydraulic hoses. However, they all have something in common, according to DSM Engineering Plastics: they can benefit from the use of Arnitel thermoplastic copolymer-based elastomer (TPC). This innovative material is claimed to combine the strength and processability of thermoplastics with the flexibility of a thermoset rubber – without the need for vulcanisation. Arnitel TPC grades are said to give designers more freedom, as well as delivering a range of desirable properties for demanding automotive and industrial environments. In addition, the materials can reduce processing and system costs.

In the automotive sector, Arnitel offers improved heat resistance (up to 200 degrees C) compared to polyamides (PA11 and PA12) - which can lose their stiffness and even collapse at high temperatures. Unlike these polyamides, Arnitel TPC also provides flexibility without the need for plasticisers, plus resistance to high pressures at high temperatures. Other important properties are good resistance to chemicals and oils, and superior fitting retention. Typical automotive applications include vacuum brake tubing, air brake tubing, fuel tubing and convoluted tubing. DSM says Arnitel meets strict industry regulations.

For industrial applications, Arnitel provides a broad range of grades that have proven to be suitable for hydraulic hoses. As a replacement for nitrile rubber in the core, Arnitel TPCs are said to provide a smoother inner surface, superior flexibility and better hot oil resistance. This means that fluids are easier to pump, while the hoses are easier to handle and have a longer service life. Used as an outer layer, Arnitel shows good impact resistance and excellent flexibility. The DSM materials can also be used for pneumatic tubing. In the rubber industry, mandrels manufactured using Arnitel are used for rubber hoses during the curing process in autoclaves.

Arnitel is proven to deliver system cost-efficiency due to weight reduction, integration of functions and reduction of overall process cycle time.

Paul Habets, the Arnitel product manager from DSM Engineering Plastics Europe, says: "In addition to its performance and processing benefits, Arnitel is an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional cross-linked rubber and materials such as polyamides that use plasticisers such as potentially harmful phthalates. As thermoplastics, our TPCs can be recycled, and the use of regrind is possible. With Arnitel TPCs, manufacturers have better material choices for a wide range of automotive and industrial tubes and hoses."

DSM Engineering Plastics

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