Swiss polyamide producer Ems-Grivory (Domat; www.emsgrivory.com) has launched its “Grivory HT High Hydrolysis Resistance” product line, opening up new possibilities for plastic materials with applications involving permanent contact with water. It offers hydrolysis resistance at elevated temperatures making it suitable in automotive cooling systems and other applications in industry and consumer goods.

After 12,000 hours in water at 95 °C, the retained strength values of Grivory HT1VA grade for example is 30% higher than a traditional polyphthalamide (PPA).

Among customers, supplier Mann+Hummel (Ludwigsburg / Germany; www.mann-hummel.com) used Grivory HT1VA-35 HYS to manufacture a cool-water valve for the “U” engines of Hyundai Motor Group (Seoul / South Korea; www.hyundaimotorgroup.com).

Ems said the material can also be employed in electric vehicles, where thermal management is particularly important and liquid cooling systems using water are implemented. The material prevents problems with salt efflorescence and the corrosion it causes under warm and moist conditions.

For "FWA" (food and water contact approved) products, Grivory HT1VA-4 FWA and Grivory HT1VA-5 FWA provide toughness and reliability. They expand the utilisation limits with regard to temperature and life expectancy.