Introduction:
Have you ever wondered if silicone hoses are suitable for oil applications? This common question plagues many in the automotive industry, especially when quality and performance are at stake.
Regular silicone hoses are great for their flexibility and heat resistance, but they suck for oil resistance. They’re porous and not great for oil or fuel applications. However, specialty silicone hoses with flurosilicone liners have been developed to address this drawback.
But what is it that makes these hoses so special? Let’s dive into the world of silicone hoses and how they work with oil.
Can Silicone Hoses Be Used for Oil?
Silicone hoses are great for high-temperature situations but they don’t inherently resist oil. They’re porous, so oil can seep through them.
Comparing Oil Resistant Hose Options
When choosing hoses for oil-resistant applications, it’s important to compare different materials to find the best one for your needs. While silicone hoses, especially those with FluoroSilicone linings, do offer some oil resistance, there are other materials that are inherently better suited for oil-heavy environments.
Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Nitrile rubber hoses are famous for their outstanding oil resistance. They are the top choice for applications involving petroleum-based oils and fuels because they can handle direct contact with these substances without breaking down.
PU: Polyurethane hoses are another tough option. They have good resistance to oil and also have excellent abrasion resistance, so they’re good for high-wear applications where oil resistance is important too.
Viton® (FKM): Viton® hoses are famous for their ability to withstand high temperatures and chemicals, including oils and fuels. They are used in applications where extreme conditions exist and excellent oil resistance is required.
PTFE (Teflon): PTFE hoses, often known as Teflon hoses, stand out for their high resistance to oil, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. They are ideal for highly demanding industrial applications where exposure to aggressive chemicals and oils is a common occurrence.
EPDM Rubber: Although EPDM rubber hoses are resistant to many things like heat, ozone, and weathering, they aren’t the best choice for use with oil. EPDM tends to swell and degrade when it comes into contact with petroleum-based oils and fuels.
