TPi March 2014

Plast ic pipes

Safe contact with drinking water Sensitive to the changes affecting the transportation of drinking water, Lati develops plastic compounds suitable for replacement of metals such as brass in items intended to come into contact with hot and cold water. water), NSF 61 (hot and cold water), ACS, KTW and W270 standards.

compounds of the Latigloss 57 family are formulated. Compared to PA66, PPA provides excellent resistance to hydrolytic and extractive action of hot water, even in the case of prolonged exposure over time. In this polymer the natural moisture absorption, which is typical of all polyamides, is very low even at high temperatures. This aspect allows PPA to keep its mechanical properties as well as item dimensions when immersed, eliminating the risk of leaks or failure due to the typical swelling of wet polyamide. The compounds offered by Lati are all inspired by the concept of metal replacement, so they feature structural reinforcement made of 40-60 per cent glass fibre. Eliminating metal not only reduces costs, weight and processing, but also avoids sources of contamination and pollution. As this process can only be performed with the necessary regulatory approvals, Lati submitted the full Latigloss 57 F2 product range with 40-60 per cent reinforcement in the natural NAT: 0138 and black BLACK: 3302 versions to the various certification bodies. Results show that Latigloss 57 F2 is best suited to contact with cold and hot drinking water up to 85°C. This compound combines very low residue values and perfect behaviour with regard to fungi and algae growth. Based on the large number of certifications obtained, the Latigloss 57 F2 range is a candidate for the manufacture of valves, mixers, baffles, tanks, taps, connecting parts and all parts in continuous contact with cold and hot drinking water. Latigloss 57 F2 products can be exported all over the world, since the certifications allow safe use not only throughout Europe, but also in the USA and wherever approvals obtained are valid. Latigloss can not only replace metals like steel and brass, but also plastics that are already widely used in this field, such as amorphous and high performance materials. Lati Industria Termoplastici SpA – Italy info@lati.com www.lati.com

The success obtained by Latigloss 66 encouraged the extension of the product portfolio intended for the specific area, and suggested the expansion of the offer especially with regard to contact with hot water, a field in which polyamide 66 shows its limits. The choice of the base resin for new products was the aromatic polyamide PPA, with which the

In 2009, PA66 based Latigloss structural compounds, which were introduced to the market two years earlier, obtained certificates of suitability for contact with water according to WRAS (hot and cold

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Tube Products International March 2014

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