Fluoropolymer-Lined Silicone Tubing
Fluoropolymer-lined silicone tubing is a multilayer tube combining a chemically resistant fluoropolymer inner liner with a flexible silicone outer layer.
The inner layer can be manufactured from PTFE, PFA or FEP, depending on the required chemical resistance, temperature range, transparency and processing conditions. The silicone outer layer improves flexibility, handling, cushioning and external protection.
This composite structure is suitable for applications where ordinary silicone tubing does not provide sufficient chemical resistance, while a standalone fluoropolymer tube may be too rigid or difficult to install.
The fluoropolymer inner surface comes into direct contact with the transported fluid, while the silicone outer layer provides a soft, flexible and durable exterior.
Tube Construction
Inner Layer
Available fluoropolymer liner materials include:
- PTFE
- PFA
- FEP
- Other fluoropolymer materials subject to evaluation
The inner liner provides:
- Chemical resistance
- Smooth fluid-contact surface
- Low fluid adhesion
- Low moisture absorption
- Resistance to many acids, alkalis and solvents
Outer Layer
The outer layer is made from silicone rubber and provides:
- Improved flexibility
- Soft external surface
- Better handling
- External cushioning
- Protection against abrasion and mechanical contact
- Optional color identification
- Easier installation in equipment
Key Features
- Fluoropolymer inner liner with silicone outer layer
- Combines chemical resistance with flexibility
- Smooth fluid-contact surface
- Soft and flexible silicone exterior
- Suitable for corrosive and sensitive fluid transfer
- Better handling than a standalone fluoropolymer tube
- Available with PTFE, PFA or FEP inner layers
- Custom ID, OD and wall thickness available
- Colored silicone outer layers available
- Cut lengths and continuous coils available
- Custom fittings and tube assemblies available
- Suitable for equipment with frequent bending or movement
Available Material Combinations
PTFE Inner + Silicone Outer
Suitable for applications requiring broad chemical resistance and a low-friction inner surface.
PFA Inner + Silicone Outer
Suitable for chemical-transfer and high-purity applications requiring a melt-processable fluoropolymer liner.
FEP Inner + Silicone Outer
Suitable for applications requiring chemical resistance, transparency and flexible fluid transfer.
The most suitable inner material should be selected according to:
- Transported medium
- Chemical concentration
- Operating temperature
- Working pressure
- Required flexibility
- Cleanliness requirements
- Sterilization or cleaning method
Typical Applications
Fluoropolymer-lined silicone tubing can be used in:
- Chemical-transfer equipment
- Pharmaceutical processing
- Medical equipment
- Food-processing machinery
- Laboratory instruments
- Analytical equipment
- Semiconductor equipment
- Chemical dosing systems
- Adhesive and solvent delivery
- Industrial fluid-control systems
- Pump and filling equipment
- High-purity fluid transfer
Suitability for food or medical applications depends on the specific raw-material grade and required compliance documentation.
Main Advantages
Chemical Resistance Inside
The fluoropolymer liner protects the fluid path from direct contact with silicone and provides resistance to many aggressive chemicals.
Flexibility Outside
The silicone outer layer improves flexibility and makes the tube easier to bend, route and install.
Reduced External Damage
The silicone jacket helps protect the fluoropolymer liner from scratching, impact and repeated contact with equipment surfaces.
Fluid Visibility Options
FEP or PFA inner liners and translucent silicone outer layers may allow partial visual observation of the transported fluid, depending on the selected construction.
Color Identification
The silicone outer layer can be produced in different colors for:
- Fluid-line identification
- Equipment-zone management
- Production-line classification
- Customer branding
- Safety identification
Customization Options
Custom production options include:
- PTFE, PFA or FEP inner liner
- Custom inside diameter
- Custom outside diameter
- Custom liner thickness
- Custom silicone thickness
- Transparent or colored outer layer
- Different silicone hardness
- Continuous coil
- Cut-to-length tube
- Printed identification
- Stripe marking
- Flared ends
- Formed tubing
- Fittings and connectors
- Completed tube assemblies
- Clean packaging
- Customized export packing