Pipe Fittings

High-Performance Polymers for Fittings in Modern Pipe Systems

For decades, pipe networks and fittings have been manufactured with metal components despite well-known limitations. But the rise in popularity of chlorine-based treatments, along with elevated temperatures, has led to more oxidizing environments that shorten the service life and compromise the safety of metal-based systems. Accordingly, the plumbing industry is shifting its focus toward a significant percentage of polymeric solutions to replace and outperform conventional metal for longer-lasting, durable and safe fittings.

Syensqo's high-performance polymers for fittings are designed for reliability, longevity, and safety in a wide range of PP-R, CPVC, and PEX systems. As a global leader in the development of polymers for plumbing applications, our broad portfolio of solutions for polymeric pipe fittings provides OEMs with cost-competitive, high-performance solutions that comply with international drinking water certifications and deliver safe, potable water while limiting water losses due to leakage that plague traditional metal-based pipe systems.

Advanced Polymer Solutions for Pipe Fittings

Syensqo's high-performance polymers are designed for the toughest environments, ensuring durability, strength, and chemical resistance. Our solutions, including Solef^® PVDF and Radel^® PPSU, are engineered to meet stringent global standards such as NSF-61 and WRAS certification. These polymers offer optimal performance for pipe fittings in applications requiring heat resistance, corrosion protection, and structural integrity.

Specialized Polymers for Plastic Fittings

Our industry-leading polymers for plastic fittings deliver superior water purity and performance compared to traditional materials. With a wide range of fluorinated and sulfone polymers, our solutions are ideal for applications involving crimp and press fittings, sliding sleeves, push-fit connections, and threaded fittings. Syensqo’s polymers are designed to ensure contamination-free water flow and long-term reliability.

Metal-Replacement Polymers for Advanced Fittings

For applications requiring metal-replacement materials, Syensqo offers thermoplastics and fluorinated polymers that provide the strength and durability of metal with added benefits like corrosion resistance and lighter weight. These polymers excel in fittings used for crimping, pressing, and threaded connections, offering a cost-effective, long-lasting alternative to metal.

Crimp and Press Fittings

In crimp and press fittings, a crimper attached to the fitting body is pressed onto the inner tubing with a special gripper to create tight compression of the pipe onto the fitting body. A sealant or O-ring can be used to improve connection tightness. Syensqo's Radel^® PPSU, or Solef^® PVDF are optimal materials for this application, as they provide good creep resistance to ensure lifetime tightness and cost-reduction opportunities. 

Sliding Sleeve Fittings

In sliding sleeve-fitting applications, a plastic or metal sleeve is forced to slide onto the outer surface of the pipe extremity. Once in place, the sleeve presses the pipe onto the fitting to create a tight, reliable connection. Syensqo's Solef^® PVDF is a choice material for the sleeve component, and our sulfone polymers are well-suited for the fitting body. These high-performance polymers ensure resilient tightness, fast relaxation after installation, and excellent anti-wear performance. 

Push-Fit Connections

In push-fit connections, the pipe extremity is pushed onto the fitting body and immediately compressed onto the fitting with a cap and grip ring. Generally, one or several O-rings ensure connection tightness in this application. Syensqo's specialty thermoplastic, Radel^® PPSU, is an ideal solution for cap and grip ring components in push-fit connection applications. This can also be used as key materials for the fitting body, along with Solef^® PVDF. Our polymers for push-fit connections are drinking-water approved and have been used commercially as metal alternatives for several years. 

Threaded Fittings

Threaded fittings applications are one of the older methods to join piping systems, and are conventionally manufactured with cast gray or malleable iron, cast brass or bronze.  Ryton^® PPS and Radel^® PPSU serve as optimal metal-replacement polymers for metal insert overmolding components. Radel^® PPSU is the material of choice for male threads in more modern threaded fittings.