DuPont has introduced the Zytel RS grade product. Based on PA1010, the material is used for production of fuel lines for vehicles using diesel and biodiesel. The renewably-sourced, long-chain nylon was chosen in preference to competitive grades of PA12 on the basis of its superior temperature resistance and long-term aging performance when used with biodiesel. The material is currently used in extruded monolayer fuel lines delivered by Hutchinson for use in new turbo and multijet diesel engines across the various vehicles produced by Fiat, including the Fiat 500, Panda, Punto, the Lancia Delta, and the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta. Components for such systems must resist the chemically-aggressive biofuels, temperature extremes and mechanical stresses for the lifetime of the vehicle. The specifi c Zytel RS grade, which contains more than 60% renewably sourced ingredient by weight, is suitable for a range of extrusion applications including fuel lines, hydraulic hoses, corrugated tubes, transmission oil cooler hoses and pneumatic tubes.

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