Analysis of Damaged Silicon Rubber Hose

Abstract

Recently, there have been many reports of silicon rubber (SR) hoses becoming brittle in juice factory within one month of purchase. The damage is a new phenomenon, and its cause is unknown. We have collected the damaged hoses attached to UHT sterilizer (ultra-high-temperature) in juice factory and examined them for chemical changes. In addition, we have analyzed the hose-washing chemicals (NaOH and HNO 3 3 3) and the exposure UTH temperature have direct effect on the brittleness of the silicon hose in juice factory.