For the first time, scientists from the Institute of Chemistry (Vietnam National University of Science and Technology) have successfully researched, developed, and implemented a technology for manufacturing pressure-resistant rubber hoses from composite natural rubber for dredging vessels, achieving quality equivalent to imported products at only one-third of the cost.
Until now, most pressure-resistant rubber hoses used for dredging boats in Vietnam had to be imported, which incurred high costs and posed financial burdens on companies. After three years of dedicated work, the research team has developed a new Blend rubber material with suitable mechanical properties and oil resistance based on modified natural rubber.
This new material fully meets the requirements for manufacturing pressure-resistant rubber hoses used in river and sea dredging, as well as other rubber products that demand high mechanical performance in oil environments. It involves refining the properties of modified natural rubber blended with synthetic rubbers such as Chloroprene (CR) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), which have high mechanical and technical characteristics that meet production needs. Based on this, a suitable technological process has been established to produce pressure-resistant rubber hoses for dredging vessels.
Although the technology has only been officially launched for less than a year, it has produced and supplied nearly 400 types of pressure-resistant delivery hoses and 30 types of suction hoses, generating revenue exceeding 3.5 billion VND. This partially confirms the importance and necessity of this product for manufacturing units and river and sea dredging operations in Vietnam.
Due to the recent trial production phase and the soaring cost of raw materials, especially natural rubber, which increased by 200%, while the selling price did not rise, the project has not yet turned a profit. However, scientists believe this new technology holds great promise as there is a significant demand for pressure-resistant delivery and suction hoses in river and sea dredging both domestically and internationally.
Immediately after successful research, the technology was implemented at Hai Phong Rubber-Plastic Joint Stock Company and received high evaluations, meeting the technical standards required for rubber hoses used in dredging. Currently, these pressure-resistant rubber hoses are being used in nearly all dredging projects across the country and have become an effective tool for various units. They have become the main product of Hai Phong Rubber-Plastic Company, generating billions of VND in annual revenue.
The technology for manufacturing pressure-resistant rubber hoses not only holds scientific and technological value but has also proven to be economically effective in business operations, and has social significance in environmental protection.
Associate Professor, Dr. Do Quang Khang – the project leader – affirmed: The implementation of this material and technology research into practical production using locally available natural rubber has significantly reduced the cost of importing technical equipment and products, saving the government millions of USD each year that would otherwise be spent on imported pressure-resistant rubber hoses for dredging and clearing river and sea routes.
Moreover, organizing the application of this technology domestically to produce enough products to meet domestic demand, and gradually moving towards export, will enable dredging units as well as the agriculture and natural rubber processing industries to be proactive in production, reduce costs, enhance business efficiency, stabilize livelihoods for workers, and increase economic revenue.
This technology has been highly regarded by the National Scientific Council for its innovative contributions to science, its potential for practical application, and its ability to meet socio-economic development needs. The project also received the second prize in the Vietnam Science and Technology Award in the field of new materials.
