Polyurethane’s origin dates to the beginning of World War II. Today it exists in a variety of forms including elastomers, flexible and rigid foams, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and injection moldable formulations.

When it comes to tubing and hose, polyurethane combines the best properties of both plastic and rubber. It offers abrasion and tear resistance, high tensile and elongation values, and low compression set. Polyurethane is naturally flexible and exhibits virtually unlimited flexural abilities. Unlike other materials, it does not contain plasticizers – additives that can leach out of the tubing and into the fluid or air flow – to retain its flexibility.

Combining good chemical resistance with excellent weathering characteristics sets polyurethane apart from most other thermoplastics. It has exceptional resistance to most gasolines, oils, kerosene, and other petroleum-based chemicals, making it an ideal choice for fuel lines (although additives in today’s gasoline and petroleum products warrant field testing).

The two basic formulations of polyurethane, ester and ether, have some important differences. Ester-based polyurethane offers slightly better fuel and oil resistance. Water attacks ester-based polyurethane, causing a significant reduction in physical properties. Ether urethanes exhibit far superior hydrolytic stability, especially in humid environments. Ether-based materials also resist fungus growth better than ester-based materials.

Click here to view our range of polyurethane tubing and hose.

Note: NewAge Industries does not produce or sell human-implantable silicone products.

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