Parker-Hannifin Corporation
TUBULAR ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOW DENSITY, LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY LOW THERMAL EFFUSIVITY POLYARYLENE SULFIDE FOAM

Abstract:

A polyarylene sulfide (PAS) foam layer that circumscribes a hollow inner tube and may have a 50% or greater density reduction relative to the density of an un-foamed PAS polymer material and/or a 50% or greater thermal conductivity reduction relative to the thermal conductivity of an un-foamed PAS polymer material and/or 50% or greater thermal effusivity reduction relative to the thermal effusivity of an un-foamed PAS polymer material. The PAS foam layer may have a low density (e.g., less than 0.67 g/cc) and/or a low thermal conductivity (e.g., anywhere from 0.017 W/(m-K) to 0.145 W/(m-K)) and/or a low thermal effusivity (e.g., less than 316 Ws.sup.1/2/m.sup.2/K, optionally anywhere from 38 Ws.sup.1/2/m.sup.2/K to 316 Ws.sup.1/2/m.sup.2/K) even at high temperatures (e.g., above 400 degrees Fahrenheit (.degree. F.) (about 204 degrees Celsius (.degree. C.)). Such a PAS foam layer may have characteristics appropriate for use as part of a steam hose.