Bio-pharmaceutical hose

Abstract

A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A composite tube comprising:
 a tubular member through which media can pass, said tubular member comprising a wall having inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface and said outer surface comprising a fluoropolymer base material,   said outer surface comprising a modified outer surface of said base material wherein said modified outer surface has a different surface energy compared with an unmodified outer surface of said base material,   a layer of silicone adjacent to and bonded to said modified outer surface.   
     
     
         22 . The composite tube of  claim 21  wherein said tubular member is a liner in a hose, said inner surface contacting media conveyed through said hose. 
     
     
         23 . The composite tube of  claim 21  wherein said fluoropolymer is selected from the group comprising PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, PVDF. PCTFE. 
     
     
         24 . The composite tube of  claim 21  wherein said layer of silicone comprises an extrusion of mixed catalyst and liquid base silicone. 
     
     
         25 . The composite tube of  claim 21  wherein said modified outer surface comprises a surface that was exposed to at least one of the following: plasma discharge, corona discharge, laser, sodium napthalate, ammonium napthalate, ammonia. 
     
     
         26 . The composite tube of  claim 21  wherein said modified outer surface has a surface energy that promotes adhesion with silicone.