Seeking Cost Effective Alternative Technology to Replace PVC Hose

A SpecialChem Client is seeking a cost-effective alternative technology for PVC rubber hose.

As PVC is an inexpensive material and it can be perceived as not environment friendly, the SpecialChem Client needs to identify a cost-effective alternative but still meeting the function of steam hose.

The desired technology must:

• Be environmentally friendly,
• Be in the range of 30 to 70 Shore hardness,
• Be able to resist steam at 100°C,
• Resist 2 to 6 bars,
• Be durable (The life span of the part is 10 years).

The material should be able to make into hose with an inner diameter range from 3mm-300mm

All approaches that can meet the success criteria are acceptable. Possible approaches could include but are not limited to:

• Modified Polyolefins (Metallocene) suitable for steam,
• Nanocrystalline Polymers,
• TPO.

The SpecialChem Client is NOT interested in:

• Standard silicone & EPDM hoses should not be in the scope since it is commonly known and expensive,

Materials not complying with REACH/RoHs regulation (e.g. halogen containing materials),

Materials that are not able to be molded or no supplier is doing the molding,

Material that is having bad smell upon steaming,

Material that is having bad smell upon heating up to 100°C

Commercial solution should be available in 6-12 months on >kTon scale, not only in the lab scale.

Color freedom of the technology would be a plus.