TUBE NEWS TN July 2019 | Page 5

AGC Chemicals Americas Introduces AFLAS® FEPM Lamination Technology for Multilayer Automotive Hose Constructions AGC Chemicals Americas Inc. introduces two new AFLAS FEPM (tetrafluoroethylene propylene) grades for use in high-temperature, high-pressure automotive engine areas. AFLAS 400E and AFLAS 600X can be laminated directly to dissimilar elastomers without using a tie layer or adhesive. AFLAS 400E and 600X can withstand continuous temperatures up to 200 °C and offer manufacturers a superior alternative to traditional materials like acrylic rubber, silicone rubber and FKM. Adding a layer of AFLAS 400E or 600X to a hose construction enables it to function reliably despite ongoing exposure to engine oils, acids, bases and steam. AFLAS 400E and 600X are ideal for automotive hose applications including intercooler, blow-by, turbocharger, oil cooler, oil return, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), charge air cooler (CAC), automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and coolant. AFLAS is typically used in the innermost layer of the hose, covered with an intermediate like AEM, ACM, VMQ, EPDM or FKM. The hose is then covered by textile reinforcement and finally an outer cover. These new grades are colorable and cure rapidly for easier processing. Suggested processing methods include extrusion and coiling iron core. . TUBE NEWS July 2019 5