DSM Engineering Plastics has highlighted the benefits of its Arnitel thermoplaic copolymer-based elastomer (TPC) for the making of automotive and industrial tubes and hoses.

“This unique material combines the strength and processability of thermoplastics with the flexibility of a thermoset rubber – without the need for vulcanisation,” a DSM spokesman said.
“Arnitel TPC grades enhance design freedom, deliver a range of desirable properties for demanding automotive and industrial environments, and can reduce processing and system costs.”
In the automotive sector, Arnitel offers improved heat resistance (up to 200°C) compared to polyamides (PA11 and PA12), which can lose their stiffness and even collapse at high temperatures, DSM explained.
Unlike these polyamides, Arnitel TPC also provides flexibility without the need for plasticisers and the resistance to high pressures at high temperatures. Other important properties it listed are good resistance to chemicals and oils, and superior fitting retention. Arnitel meets the strict industry regulations. Typical automotive applications include vacuum brake tubing, air brake tubing, fuel tubing and convoluted tubing.
For industrial applications, Arnitel provides a broad range of grades which have proven to be ideal for hydraulic hoses, according to the company. “As a replacement for nitrile rubber in the core, Arnitel TPCs 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 great impact resistance and excellent flexibility.”
The DSM materials can also be used for pneumatic tubing. In the rubber industry, mandrels manufactured using Arnitel are widely 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, the company said.
Paul Habets, the Arnitel product manager from DSM Engineering Plastics Europe, said: “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 is a business group in the performance materials cluster of DSM, with sales in 2007 of 839 million euros and approximately 1,550 employees worldwide.
It is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engineering thermoplastics offering a broad portfolio of high-performance products including Stanyl high-performance polyamide and Akulon 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel TPC, Arnite PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar polycarbonate, Yparex extrudable adhesive resins.
These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. With Stanyl, it is the global market leader in high-heat polyamides.
Royal DSM NV creates innovative products and services in life sciences and material sciences.
Its products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing.
DSM has annual sales of almost 8.8 billion euros and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.