Syensqo Launches AvaSpire PAEK Material Innovative Piping System Applications

On October 29, Zhuangsu Shijie learned that Syensqo has developed a new series of AvaSpire polyaryletherketone (PAEK) composites, specially designed for corrugated hoses in piping and bathroom systems. This high-performance material can effectively perform its function with or without an external reinforcement layer, addressing key production and safety challenges in the household piping sector.

The polymer has achieved its first major commercial breakthrough through Uniwell Rohrsysteme—currently, the company is using AvaSpire PAEK to produce connector hoses for Grohe's bathroom and kitchen faucet systems. Syensqo stated that this application marks a significant shift in the industry from traditional brass components to advanced polymer solutions.

Simplified production process

Hans-Peter Meyer, the product manager of Germany's Uniwell Pipeline Systems, emphasized that this material has brought a transformative impact on production efficiency.

"Through our innovative flexible hose design, we have addressed key issues in production, installation, and compliance," Meyer explained. "Syensqo's AvaSpire PAEK has become the ideal material choice for this application. It helps us streamline the existing production process, facilitates operation, and replaces traditional brass."

Compared to traditional processes, this production workflow demonstrates exceptional simplicity. Uniwell's new flexible hose is made from PAEK extruded tube segments, which are cut to the specified length through a continuous process without any additional steps. The company states that this simplified approach significantly reduces production complexity while maintaining high-quality standards.

Enhance security and performance

In addition to production advantages, AvaSpire PAEK also brings significant safety improvements to plumbing installations. Syensqo explains that its polymer minimizes the risk of lead contamination associated with brass components while ensuring excellent long-term creep resistance. These characteristics make it highly valuable in drinking water applications where safety and durability are critical.

Esther Villena, the Building Market Manager for Syensqo's Specialty Polymers Business, emphasized the competitive advantages of the material.

"AvaSpire PAEK bridges the gap between cost and performance compared to other high-performance polymers," Villena noted, "Depending on the specific grade, it exhibits significantly higher ductility, creep resistance, and performance retention in high-temperature environments."

Global Supply and Application Expansion

The AvaSpire PAEK grade, specifically designed for flexible hose applications in piping and plumbing systems, is now commercially available worldwide. These materials have relevant drinking water certifications in different regions to meet local regulatory requirements.

The application potential of this material extends far beyond basic pipe connections. Industry experts believe that it has opportunities in fields such as flush tanks, heat pumps, boilers, and solar heating equipment connectors. This versatility makes AvaSpire PAEK a comprehensive solution for various fluid transportation applications in residential and commercial settings.

About the enterprise

Syensqo is a science-driven company dedicated to developing groundbreaking solutions to improve daily life across various sectors. With over 13,000 employees in 30 countries, the company's innovation is inspired by the scientific committee initiated by Ernest Solvay in 1911. Syensqo's solutions contribute to the creation of safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products, widely used in household, food and consumer goods, transportation, batteries, smart devices, and healthcare fields.

The company's innovative capabilities support the goals of a circular economy while exploring breakthrough technologies to advance human development across various industries.

Uniwell operates under the brand “The Tube Company,” focusing on the development and manufacturing of high-quality piping products, cable protection systems, and fluid transport solutions, catering to various industrial sectors with stringent product requirements and continuously expanding its customer base. The company serves the automotive, mechanical engineering, equipment manufacturing, and sanitary markets with a diverse range of piping system products made from high-performance polymers using cutting-edge technology.

Uniwell Rohrsysteme is headquartered in northern Bavaria, Germany, where it has its main extrusion production facility. The company has also expanded its production layout with a manufacturing plant in North Rhine-Westphalia and has a thermoforming and assembly affiliate in the Czech Republic.