PA
known as nylon, offer strength, toughness and chemical resistance, ideal for demanding applications in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Abbreviation
PA 6 / 6.6
Molecular formula
(C₆H₁₁NO)ₙ / (C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ
CAS no.
25038-54-4 / 32131-17-2
General description
Polyamides (PA), widely known under the trade name nylon, are an important family of engineering plastics characterized by their versatile properties and application possibilities. These high-performance polymers consist of repeating amide groups and offer an impressive combination of strength, toughness, and chemical resistance. The unique molecular structure of polyamides gives them high mechanical strength as well as pronounced resistance to abrasion and wear.
These versatile polymers play a crucial role as technological solutions in demanding fields such as the automotive industry, electronics and electrical engineering, and aerospace. Their excellent properties enable the replacement of metal parts, leading to significant weight savings and increased efficiency.
Different polyamide types, such as PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 6.10, and PA 6.12, have specific characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.
PA offers
High strength and toughness
Polyamides offer impressive tensile strength and toughness, ideal for applications requiring mechanical resistance.
Chemical resistance
They are highly resistant to many chemicals such as hydrocarbons and alcohols, making them suitable for chemically demanding applications.
Heat resistance
Polyamides can withstand high temperatures, which makes them suitable for use in areas such as automotive engine compartments and electrical components.
Properties of PA
Thermal Properties
Polyamides exhibit varying thermal properties.
PA 6.6, with a melting temperature of around 260°C, offers the highest heat resistance among polyamides, while PA 6, with a melting temperature of 220°C, is ideal for applications with continuous operating temperatures up to 120°C.
PA 6.10 and PA 6.12 lie between PA 6 and PA 6.6 in terms of temperature resistance and also boast lower moisture absorption.
Mechanical Properties
Polyamides, especially PA 6 and PA 6.6, offer impressive mechanical strength and toughness. Due to their high tensile strength, these materials are ideal for dynamic applications where robustness and durability are critical.
PA 6 is characterized by its flexibility, which is advantageous in applications with high impact loads, while PA 6.6 is known for its superior heat resistance, making it ideal for use in more demanding environments.
The PA 6.10 and PA 6.12 variants are also mechanically stable and ideal for applications requiring long-term resistance to stress.
Chemical Properties
Polyamides offer remarkable chemical resistance. PA 6.10 and PA 6.12, in particular, are known for their resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including salts, making them ideal for aggressive chemical environments. However, caution should be exercised when using polyamides, as they are less resistant to strong acids and bases.
PA 6 and PA 6.6 exhibit good resistance to hydrocarbons and alcohols, making them suitable for many industrial applications where these chemicals are present.
Processing instructions
Areas of application PA
Automotive: Polyamides are widely used in the automotive industry for structural components such as lamp housings and fuel lines. The high mechanical strength and heat resistance of PA 6 and PA 6.6 make them ideal for these applications. For components requiring high chemical resistance and moisture tolerance, PA 6.10 and PA 6.12 are preferred because they offer excellent performance in humid or aggressive environments.
Electrical engineering: In electrical engineering, PA 6.6 and PA 6 offer excellent insulating properties and resistance to high temperatures. These properties make them ideal for housings for electronic components that must withstand temperature fluctuations without damage.
Aerospace: Polyamides are essential in the aerospace industry, especially PA 6.6, which can withstand high loads and temperature fluctuations. For applications requiring special resistance to moisture and chemicals, PA 6.10 and PA 6.12 are essential because they ensure stability in specialized environments.
Precision engineering and rapid prototyping: All variants of polyamides are widely used in precision engineering and rapid prototyping, especially for the production of gears and screws. PA 6 and PA 6.12 are frequently used in prototype development because their excellent mechanical properties and ease of processing make them particularly suitable for repeated testing and adjustments.
The application areas of these versatile plastics are broad, as polyamides offer specific advantages that can be adapted to the requirements of a wide variety of projects to create effective and durable solutions.
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