Hybrid Systems for Multi-layer Fuel and Air Hoses in Automobiles

Abstract

Transportation of fuel and air are critical for the operation of any automobile. Hoses made from rubber have been the primary means of carrying fuel or air although metal tubes have also been used in some instances. Increasing use of alcohol as fuel, stringent environmental regulations on emissions from petroleum fuels and restrictions on the use of several chemicals as additives in fuels have made conventional rubber, plastic or metal hoses unsuitable for fuel or air transportation in modern automobiles. Recent trend has been to develop multilayer hoses using hybrid materials with distinct functionalities and specific to the requirements. In addition to multi-layer rubber hoses, a plethora of polymers such as nylon and its derivatives have been used for developing the multi-layer hoses. Several companies are commercially marketing multilayer hybrid hoses but research to develop new hoses to meet latest specifications is ongoing. Considerable numbers of patents on development of new type of multilayer hoses using different materials or technologies have been reported. Although a large number of patents have been filed on developing hybrid hoses using various materials, there is limited scientific literature on the structure and properties of multilayer hybrid hoses. This chapter covers the various multilayer hybrid hoses developed and those that are commercially available.