Polyurethan (PU)

Polyurethane: A Versatile Material for Your Hose Solutions

As one of the main materials in hose manufacturing, polyurethane (PU) plays a crucial role at SHP Primaflex. Thanks to its exceptional properties and adaptability to a wide range of requirements, polyurethane is a versatile and high-performance material that is used in a large number of our products.

What is polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a unique material characterized by its excellent resistance to abrasion, flexibility and high tensile strength. It is a family of polymers with a variety of structures and properties that can be modified according to specific requirements.

The versatility of polyurethane is reflected in the different Shore hardnesses, which allow the material to be adapted to different requirements and applications. These hardnesses indicate how resistant the material is to penetration and deformation. A higher Shore value usually means higher hardness and stiffness of the material, while a lower value indicates higher flexibility and elasticity.

The advantages of polyurethane

One of the main features of polyurethane is its exceptional abrasion resistance. This makes it ideal for hose applications where the hose is subjected to mechanical stress, for example in industry and mechanical engineering.

In addition, polyurethane is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including some oils and greases, making it an excellent choice for applications in demanding environments.

Polyurethane is also known for its high flexibility and elasticity, which allows our hoses to retain their shape while providing the freedom of movement required in many applications.

Polyurethane at SHP Primaflex

At SHP Primaflex, we use polyurethane in many of our hose solutions. Thanks to its versatile properties and performance, we can produce hoses that are precisely tailored to the specific needs of our customers.

It is important to note that in addition to "regular" polyurethane, we also use polyether and polyester polyurethane.

Polyether polyurethane is usually the preferred choice for applications with high humidity and contact with water. It exhibits superior resistance to hydrolysis, though lower resistance to oils, similar to neoprene.

In contrast, polyester polyurethane is generally not recommended for permanent water applications. It is often used for applications where there is potential contact with oil-based solvents. It has superior oil resistance (similar to nitrile rubbers) and improved physical properties compared to polyether. Thus, it has greater tensile strength, elongation and tear resistance. Polyester shows superior toughness in applications compared to polyether.

Furthermore, we have the possibility to add specific additives to make the material, for example, antistatic, UV resistant or flame retardant.

Conclusion

Polyurethane is a key material for SHP Primaflex. Its versatility, durability and performance make it an indispensable part of our product line. If you're looking for durable, resilient and flexible hose solutions, our polyurethane hoses are the ideal choice. Contact us today to learn more about our polyurethane tubing and its potential applications.