Short answer
Hydrolysis resistance in PU hoses is not a single property common to all polyurethanes. Formulation, moisture, temperature and exposure duration all matter; the hydrolysis and microbial resistance information the manufacturer gives for the same product must be read separately.
Source: S038
Technical explanation
Masterflex's technical description distinguishes, within its own product family, between the behavior of ether-based PU and ester-based PU against moisture and microorganisms. This information does not give an automatic service life or temperature limit to every PU product on the market. Although hydrolysis and microbial attack can occur under similar conditions of use, they should not be presented as the same mechanism. Chemical cleaning and hot, humid operation are included separately in the product evaluation.
Source: S038
Topic-specific checkpoints
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Exposure in operation and storage |
| Temperature | Evaluation together with moisture |
| Formulation | Product-specific hydrolysis resistance |
| Damage | Degradation examined separately from abrasion |
Source: S038
How is it assessed in practice?
When cracking or material weakening is seen in a moist granule line, do not diagnose abrasion alone. Record the storage environment, washing, moisture remaining inside during stoppages and the operating temperature. Ask the supplier for the product code and an applicable resistance declaration concerning the formulation rather than just 'PU'. When comparing with the previous product, use the same duration, environment and load conditions. Field observation helps the root cause investigation; on its own, it is not laboratory verification or a remaining-life calculation.
Original editorial recommendation; not a clause of a standard.
Frequently asked questions
Is the term microbe-resistant the same as hydrolysis-resistant?
No. The scope and test conditions of the claims must be checked separately; do not treat one as automatic proof of the other.
Source: S038
Source coverage
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S038
Microbe-resistant and hydrolysis-resistant hoses Masterflex · accessed 2026-10-19 Materials for hydrolysis-resistant and microbe-resistant hoses