A New Solution to Replace PA12 in Air Brake Hose

Ultramid^® Flex F40L, a polyamide copolymer with 25% bio-based content, is the new solution that hose manufacturers have been looking for that meets critical safety standards while standing up to harsh conditions.

Air brake hose is required to meet stringent safety standards because they are a critical component of heavy-duty trucks. This is why hose manufacturers require materials that are tough, reliable, and can stand up to harsh environments with continuous abuse without bursting or failing. 

"Air brake hose is a sensitive application that is safety critical and you can't compromise the safety of a truck's braking system. Reliability has to be very high," says Mohammad Meysami, Senior Research Scientist at BASF. 

Commonly used in hoses with high-pressure strength and flexibility, long-chain polyamides are ideal for applications where safety is a top priority. It's also important to note that not all polyamides can meet regulatory requirements for heavy-duty hose manufacturers. 

"Road salts contain zinc chloride and calcium chloride. These salts can very quickly degrade a normal polyamide," Meysami says. "Long-chain polyamides, especially PA12, have been used for a long time. It has the strength and road salt resistance required for air brake hose."

While PA12 has performed well, manufacturers are looking for alternatives due to supply and price issues, but are unable to find other polymers that meet safety critical testing requirements. Until now with Ultramid^® Flex F40L, BASF's new solution for PA12 offset in air brake hose. 

Air brake hose manufacturers have a problem in replacing PA12. The challenge is finding a polymer that meets the road salt resistance requirements of SAE J844, while adhering to other materials and lowering overall costs. Ultramid^® Flex F40L is BASF's new solution to overcome this challenge for heavy-duty hose manufacturers. 

Ultramid^® Flex F40L eliminates the cost and complexities of tie layers. This copolymer provides superior adhesion to PA6, PA12 and TPU, and improves process efficiencies by removing the need to apply a liquid adhesive. 

"BASF created a different polyamide. Ultramid^® Flex F40L is a polyamide copolymer that has the chemical resistance and the required mechanical properties necessary for air brake hose with 25% bio-based content," Meysami says. "We are excited to have developed this innovative solution for the market and to provide manufacturers with an improved alternative to PA12." 

Complete the form below to learn more about Ultramid^® Flex F40L and how it can be your solution to replace PA12.