Why do PU coiled hoses possess excellent abrasion resistance?
Publish Time: 2026-01-15
In industrial automation, pneumatic conveying, material handling, and even high-end cleaning equipment, PU coiled hoses are widely favored due to their outstanding flexibility, anti-aging properties, and superior abrasion resistance. Especially under harsh operating conditions involving frequent movement, friction, or dragging, PU hoses often significantly outperform PVC, rubber, or other plastic hoses, becoming the preferred choice for high-reliability fluid or gas transmission systems.1. The Intrinsic Abrasion Resistance of Polyurethane MaterialsAbrasion resistance primarily stems from the inherent polymeric structure of polyurethane. PU is a block copolymer formed by the reaction of polyols and isocyanates, its molecular chains containing both "soft segments" and "hard segments." This microphase separation structure gives the material both the elasticity of rubber and the strength of plastic. More importantly, the hard segment regions form physical cross-linking points through hydrogen bonding and crystallization, acting like countless microscopic "anchor points." When the surface is subjected to friction, these effectively resist shear forces and abrasive erosion, greatly delaying material wear.2. High-Density and Compact Surface Structure Enhances Abrasion ResistanceDuring the extrusion molding process, the PU coiled hose achieves a highly dense tube wall structure through precise control of temperature, pressure, and cooling rate. Its smooth, non-porous surface effectively reduces the coefficient of friction when in contact with the ground, metal edges, or other rough surfaces. Simultaneously, the high-density structure means that the polymer chains are more tightly packed within a unit volume, making it difficult for external abrasive particles to embed or scrape the material surface, thus significantly improving scratch and abrasion resistance. Some high-end products also employ a dual-layer co-extrusion technology: the outer layer uses a high-hardness, high-abrasion-resistant PU formulation, while the inner layer focuses on flexibility and low resistance. This functional zoning design concentrates abrasion resistance on the most vulnerable outer surface without sacrificing overall elasticity, achieving an optimal balance between performance and cost.3. The Coiled Structure Itself Alleviates Localized WearThe unique spiral structure of the PU coiled hose is not only a convenient design for storage but also plays an indirect role in abrasion resistance. When the hose is dragged on the ground or rubs against other objects, its coiled shape constantly changes the contact points, avoiding the rapid localized wear caused by repeated friction in a fixed position, as is common with traditional straight hoses. Furthermore, the spiral structure gives the hose higher resistance to flattening and lateral support, making it less prone to permanent deformation or surface cracks when crushed or bent—these micro-damages are often the starting point for accelerated wear.4. Formula Optimization Further Enhances Wear ResistanceModern PU materials can further improve their wear resistance by adding nanofillers, wear-resistant additives, or using special isocyanate systems. For example, aliphatic PU not only resists yellowing, but its hardened segments are more regular and have higher crystallinity, resulting in better wear resistance than conventional aromatic PU. In addition, manufacturers can customize high-abrasion-index formulas for specific working conditions to meet extreme wear resistance requirements.The excellent wear resistance of PU coiled hoses is not due to a single factor, but rather the result of the combined effects of material chemistry, precision machining processes, and structural mechanical design. It inherits the natural advantages of polyurethane polymers—a balance of rigidity and flexibility—while maximizing its potential through modern manufacturing technology. This is why PU coiled hoses can operate stably for extended periods in high-frequency motion scenarios such as robotic arms, automated factories, and vehicle-mounted vacuum systems, becoming an indispensable "wear-resistant guardian" in modern fluid transport systems. In the future, with the continuous evolution of high-performance PU composite materials, their wear resistance boundaries will continue to be refreshed.
