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.
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
water), NSF 61 (hot and cold water),
ACS, KTW and W270 standards.
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
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
110
Tube Products International March 2014
