Lay-flat hose is a flexible pipe widely used in fluid transportation, industrial connections, and agricultural irrigation. Its performance and service life are largely determined by the material used. The mainstream lay-flat hose materials currently on the market include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (TPU), rubber, and polyethylene (PE). Each material has unique physical and chemical properties suitable for different application scenarios.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hose is one of the most common types of lay-flat hose, characterized by low cost, light weight, and strong corrosion resistance. Rigid PVC pipe is typically used for low-pressure fluid transportation, while soft PVC with added plasticizers offers excellent flexibility and is suitable for applications requiring curved laying. However, ordinary PVC softens easily in high-temperature environments, and long-term exposure to UV rays may cause material degradation. Therefore, UV stabilizers are required for outdoor use.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) hose is a high-end material with significantly superior abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and high and low-temperature resistance compared to PVC. TPU hoses maintain stability over a wide temperature range of -40°C to 120°C, making them suitable for high-pressure, high-abrasion industrial environments such as oil and chemical transport. Despite their higher cost, their excellent mechanical strength and environmental friendliness (some models are recyclable) make them a top choice for high-performance applications.
Rubber hoses (such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber) excel at flexibility and pressure resistance and are commonly used in agricultural irrigation or heavy machinery hydraulic systems. Natural rubber offers excellent elasticity but poor weather resistance; synthetic rubber (such as nitrile rubber) has been modified to enhance its oil and chemical resistance. However, rubber hoses are heavy and prone to hardening or cracking after long-term use.
Polyethylene (PE) hoses have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their lightweight, UV-resistant, and chemical-resistant properties, making them particularly suitable for long-term outdoor installations. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) hoses combine flexibility and durability, making them suitable for water supply, drainage, and gas transportation. In summary, the material selection of flat hoses needs to comprehensively consider pressure resistance, flexibility, environmental adaptability and cost factors to meet the professional needs of different industries.