Syensqo has developed a range of AvaSpire polyarylether ketone, PAEK, compounds for corrugated flexible tubes in plumbing and sanitary applications with or without external hose reinforcement. In a first commercial implementation for the domestic plumbing pipes and lining market, Uniwell Rohrsysteme has selected the material to manufacture armature connection hoses used in Grohe bathroom and kitchen faucet systems. The solution targets a cost-effective, high-performance tubing option focused on durability, ductility and safety. The polymer enables a continuous extrusion process in which PAEK tube segments are corrugated and cut to length without secondary operations, which helps streamline production and facilitates handling at Uniwell. In water pipe installations, replacing brass with PAEK reduces the potential risk of lead contamination and supports long-term creep resistance under service conditions. According to Syensqo, specific grades provide significantly higher ductility, creep behavior and property retention at elevated temperatures compared with other high-performance polymers. The grades are commercially available worldwide and include relevant regional potable water certifications.
Material and processing profile
The Uniwell flex hose concept is based on extruded AvaSpire PAEK tube segments processed in a continuous line and cut to length, eliminating additional finishing steps. The compounds are engineered for corrugated geometries and can be used with or without external reinforcement, depending on the application requirements. Uniwell notes that the approach is designed to simplify manufacturing and installation while addressing regulatory expectations for potable water components.
"With our innovative flex hose design, we are solving key manufacturing, installation and regulatory issues," said Hans-Peter Meyer, Product Manager for Uniwell Rohrsysteme, Germany. "AvaSpire PAEK from Syensqo emerged as the perfect material choice for this application, as it helped us to streamline the existing production process, facilitates handling and replaces conventional brass."
From the material supplier perspective, the portfolio is positioned to bridge a gap in cost and performance within the high-performance polymers category. "AvaSpire PAEK fills a cost/performance gap when compared to other high-performance polymers," said Esther Villena, Construction Market Manager for Syensqo’s Specialty Polymers business. "Depending on the grade, it can deliver significantly higher ductility, creep and retention properties at elevated temperatures."
Certification and application scope
Syensqo’s AvaSpire PAEK grades for plumbing and sanitary flex hoses are offered globally with relevant potable water certifications. Beyond faucet connection hoses, the immediate application potential cited by the companies includes flushing cisterns, heat pumps, boilers and connections for solar heat devices.
Syensqo’s AvaSpire polyarylether ketone (PAEK) compounds for corrugated flexible tubes in plumbing applications with or without external hose reinforcement.
