KRAIBURG TPE launches TPE materials for sanitary and drinking water pipes and hoses

From March 2022, the evaluation criteria set by the German Environmental Agency (KTW-BWGL standards) for plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water will apply to thermoplastic elastomers body (TPE), accompanied by a three-year transition period. Therefore, the contact layers of pipes and hoses for the drinking water supply of household appliances such as dishwashers must also meet these requirements by March 2025.

“With our new THERMOLAST®
DW/H2 series, we are supporting customers in the sanitary and drinking water pipe supply market who are committed to meeting the more stringent KTW-BWGL standards. At the same time, we are setting higher standards for the performance of standard-compliant TPE compounds,” Hartmut, Industry Marketing Manager at KRAIBURG TPE
Arheidt said. “Innovative material technology gives pipes significantly improved tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break and excellent bending resistance.”

The new and unique THERMOLAST® DW series replaces the previous DW/H series and is now available in six different hardness grades, from 70 Shore A to 40 Shore
D (see Table I). These compounds can be easily processed on conventional polyolefin extrusion lines and are ideally suited for the efficient production of cold and hot water pipes, providing up to 50%
Better mechanical properties and good performance with PP lagging. At the same time, these TPE compounds also have an extremely smooth surface and meet the requirements of EN 16421 (formerly: DVGW
W270) Resistance required for microbial growth without affecting the odor, taste or clarity of the water passing through the pipe.

THERMOLAST®
DW/H2 compounds expand the potential applications of TPE in this market segment and are particularly suitable for shower pipes, pressure hoses, food hoses and supply pipes in dishwashers and washing machines. They are developed in close cooperation with customers.

“We can also provide test reports in compliance with the new KTW-BWGL standard,” Hartmut Arheidt
added. “They confirm that the materials are suitable. We can provide samples of the materials for inspection at any time to customers, potential customers and partners.”