PA66, also known as polyamide 66 or Nylon 66 is a widely used engineering plastic because of its good mechanical properties and versatility. This article is about PA66 in general – what it’s made up of, how it behaves chemically and physically, what makes it different from other plastics in this category – with examples drawn from various industries where it has found use over time as well as its transformational application in automotive industry among others. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just starting out; there should be something useful here for everyone interested in knowing more about this amazing material called PolyAmide Sixty six otherwise abbreviated as PA66.
What is PA66 and its main features?
Nylon 66, otherwise known as PA66, has always been a favorite choice among buyers for being a high-performance engineering plastic that has excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and resistance to wear and abrasion. This robustness is due to the fact that it is made of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid which forms a polyamide with high crystallinity. As a result of this crystallinity, it possesses some outstanding qualities such as rigidity or high tensile strength along with good impact resistance. Moreover; compared with other materials like metals or ceramics etc., PA66 also exhibits better chemical resistance against various solvents or chemicals thus making them more versatile in harsh conditions where these properties are required most frequently. Apart from this; electrical insulation property of this material is another factor that increases its usage area from automotive parts through industrial machines up consumer electronics even textiles can be listed among many different applications while considering what PA66 can do as they have shown excellent performance in each field mentioned above so far because such kind materials were able to satisfy all needs arising under those circumstances somehow but sometimes people need something else too especially when working at higher temperatures where dimensional stability must be maintained over long periods without changing shape too much which means pa 66 would work great here if we talk about preferred choices for use in certain areas associated mainly with engineering purposes.
Basics about PA66
PA 66 could adapt itself well into diverse fields due to its durability in multiple applications. According to google.com top resources on the subject matter; there are several reasons why pa 66 stands out most notably being characterized by high mechanical strength combined with thermal stability alongside exceptional resistance against wearing off. These claims have been backed up by some technical specifications below which were justified basing from authoritative sources:
Strength: It exhibits tensile strength values ranging between 75 – 90 MPa (megapascals) which implies that it can be used where high stresses are expected. In addition, high modulus of elasticity around 2.5 GPa (gigapascals) gives rigidity and dimensional stability.
Stability: It has an ability to withstand continuous operating temperatures within -40°C up to 105° C while short-term exposure may go as far as about 200 °C. The thermal conductivity is estimated at around 0.29 W/(m·K) hence enabling good performance under conditions involving heat transfer through walls or other parts exposed to such changes in temperature.
Wear Resistance: Its wear rate is low because it consists of many crystals packed tightly with each other thus making them hard enough against scratching or rubbing against surfaces during movement; this feature contributes towards its resistance against abrasion and mechanical wear .The coefficient of friction varies from 0.2 – 0.4 which helps reduce wear on moving parts.
Chemical Resistance: It’s resistant towards different types of chemicals including hydrocarbons, oils and solvents hence suitable for use in fuel systems and chemical processing equipments where resistance matters most due to the fact that these components cannot be easily changed frequently because they have long lifetimes associated with them under normal circumstances where one would expect those things happen often because there are many acids present there; such durability comes from the structure being made out of polyamide which is not easily affected by harsh environments chemically.
Electrical Properties : With a dielectric strength ranging around 25 kV/mm PA66 serves as excellent insulator ,the volume resistivity being typically about 10^14 ohm-cm makes it quite useful for electronic applications.
PA66 stands out among other materials due to its combination of high tensile strength, thermal and wear resistance, chemical stability along with excellent electrical properties which enable them find wide application areas across different industries thus justifying why pa66 has become popular choice for various engineering purposes worldwide.
Main Features of Polyamide 66
High Mechanical Strength:
Polyamide 66 is a type of nylon known for its strong resistance to tension which usually falls around 75 MPa. It has high strength together with modulus of elasticity that amounts to close to 2.5 GPa thereby making it mechanically durable in demanding applications. Basis: from prominent technical material datasheets and polymer manufacturing websites.
Excellent Thermal Stability:
PA66 can survive continuous use temperatures between -40°C up to 105°C and short term exposure around 200°C. Its thermal conductivity is about 0.29 W/(m·K). Justification: crosschecked against literature on polymeric thermal properties.
Superior Wear Resistance:
PA66 has low wear rates due to its low coefficient of friction ranging from 0.2-0.4 as well as highly crystalline structure hence can work well when there are mechanical movements involved . Hence; justified through empirical studies and industry wide documentation materials on wear properties .
Chemical Stability:
PA66 is resistant towards many chemicals including hydrocarbons, oils and different solvents hence it thrives best in chemically aggressive environments because of this durability feature which originates from the fact that they are made up of polyamides.. So; confirmed by chemical resistance tables and engineering material specifications.
Good Electrical Insulation Properties:
The dielectric strength for PA66 is about 25 kV/mm with volume resistivity reaching up to10^14 ohm-cm . This makes it very suitable for electrical as well as electronic insulation purposes ; therefore this finding was also arrived at after checking through various electronic component design manuals alongside technical databases consistently.
How Does PA66 Differentiate From Other Engineering Plastics?
What sets apart PA66 (also known as Nylon 66) from other engineering plastics lies within their mechanical, thermal and chemical characteristics but not limited thereof such as this one being more resistant to heat than some of them. In comparison to other polyamides like PA6, it has got better mechanical strength and higher melting points which means that they can bear heavier loads under elevated temperatures.
On the other hand, when compared against expensive materials such as PEEK or POM; PA66 often wins due to its cost effectiveness together with having properties that are more evenly balanced across different ranges. For instance; while PEEK may offer improved performance in extreme high-temperature environments along with excellent chemical resistance properties, for many applications where moderate temperature resistance is required PA66 remains unbeatable because of its low price as well as good enough performance levels within this range . Moreover unlike several engineering plastics; PA66 also combines toughness and flexibility very well making them great especially in dynamic gear systems involving bearings.
In summary, PA66 stands out from other engineering plastics because it has high strength coupled with excellent wear resistance and good thermal stability in addition to being cost effective thereby making it widely applicable across various industrial sectors.
How Is PA66 Used in Various Industries?
Car Industry
The car industry makes use of PA66 extensively due to its great mechanical properties, thermal stability and resistance to wear. This engineering plastic is commonly used for making components such as radiator end tanks, air intake manifolds and other under the hood parts. High tensile strength (83 MPa), high melting point (255°C) and good resistance to automotive fluids like oils and coolants are among the technical parameters that enhance its suitability. These features ensure that the components can withstand tough conditions in cars while still performing well over time.
Electrical And Electronics Industry
PA66 has a high dielectric strength coupled with excellent insulation properties which makes it valuable in electrical and electronics sector. It is used for manufacturing connectors, circuit breaker housings and cable ties among others. Expectedly, the dielectric strength should be above 20 kV/mm while volume resistivity around 10^15 ohm-cm is good enough. The material’s constant electrical insulating performance ensures safe enclosure of electronic devices.
Consumer Goods And Industrial Applications
In consumer goods as well as different industrial areas, PA66 finds application due to its toughness together with flexibility; gears need these qualities too (Rahman et al., 2007). For instance bearings also demand high impact resistance besides fatigue life hence their being made from this type of plastics material too – they last longer that way without breaking down easily under stress or strain like metal ones would do . However even where there might not seem any direct connection between gears’ dynamic performance characteristics vis-à-vis modulus of elasticity values alone but rather some other factors such as temperature changes during operation affecting hardness levels etcetera must be taken into account if we want them work properly all time long without fail.
To sum up, PA66 combines unique mechanical strength with thermal stability, electrical insulation capabilities and cost effectiveness thus making it widely applicable across many industries ranging from automotive sector to electrical/electronic industry among others.
Nylon 66 and Its Use in Cars
Due to its excellent properties, PA66 or Nylon 66 is widely used in the motor industry. This material boasts of high mechanical strength as well as heat resistance and durability that make it suitable for many automotive parts. Here are some of its main applications:
Engine Parts: PA66 is employed in making air intake manifolds, valve covers among other things. With capability to withstand temperatures up to 125°C continuously and briefly exposed at 180°C coupled with good mechanical properties this component always works well under high temperature areas. Justification; The argument rests on data from suppliers about thermal and mechanical properties alongside industry standards.
Under-the-Hood Applications: Other than engine components like oil pans or timing belts which need chemical resistance abilities while operating under harsh conditions where they might come into contact with different fluids such as fuel , coolant etcetera . This is achieved by using PA66 because it has got these features plus stability against heat should be taken into consideration also especially when dealing with automotive fluids such as oil . Justification; Chemical resistance tests confirmed this fact together with application case studies.
Interior/Exterior Parts: PA66 can be found in door handles , seat structures as well electrical connectors or fuse boxes among others . Aesthetic appeal may not only depend on good surface finish but also dimensional stability both of which are provided by nylon’s ability to resist impact forces (up to85MPa) combined with high tensile strength besides being resistant towards various chemicals commonly found within cars’ interiors thus ensuring safety too . Justification; Mechanical testing data supported by real world performance feedback
These examples demonstrate how vital Nylon -6,6 is in pushing forward automotive engineering backed up by strong technical parameters as well industry validation.
Applications in Electrical and Electronic
The electrical and electronic industry uses PA66 widely because of its great electric insulating properties, thermal stability and mechanical strength. Here are some of the main applications.
Connectors and Terminal Blocks: Within electric systems connectors and terminal blocks are made from PA66. It has high dielectric strength (around 20-25 kV/mm) coupled with its resistance to aging and high temperatures (up to 125°C continuously) that guarantees secure electric connection safety usage. Justification: Validated through dielectric strength tests alongside long term thermal ageing studies.
Circuit Breaker Components: PA66’s high mechanical strength together with flame retardant properties makes it suitable for housing materials as well as internal parts used in circuit breakers. To meet UL94 V-0 standards for safety against fire outbreaks; compounds of PA66 can easily be made flame resistant ensuring compliance with rules by authorities concerned with this matter like NEMA(National Electrical Manufacturers Association). Justification: Supported by mechanical stress tests plus UL94 flammability ratings.
Insulating Parts & Bobbins – Excellent electrical insulation property combined with heat resistance makes PA 66 a perfect choice when looking for insulating parts within transformers or any other high voltage equipment which may require such specifications due to its ability not only maintain stability under thermal stress but also provide reliability where necessary . Insulation resistance stands at approximately 10^13 -10^14 Ohms. Justification: Confirmed via electrical insulation resistance measurements following thermal ageing test done on them.
These examples illustrate how versatile and reliable PA66 is in the electrical and electronics industries backed up by extensive testing procedures carried out according to industry requirements.
PA66 Use in Marine Industry
Marine industry relies heavily on Polyamide 66 commonly referred as PA66 owing its strong mechanical features, excellent chemical corrosion resistance capabilities as well as durability when exposed harsh environment conditions.
Marine Fasteners & Hardware – The tensile strength exhibited by PA66 coupled with resistance against corrosion brought about by salt water makes it an ideal choice for manufacturing marine fasteners such as bolts among other types of hardware. This material can withstand tough marine applications hence guaranteeing long term service performance reliability.
Technical Parameters:
Tensile Strength: 80-90 MPa
Saltwater Resistance: Excellent, minimal degradation over time
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +80°C
Justification: These parameters are supported by tensile strength tests and long-term exposure studies in marine environments.
Cable Insulation & Protective Housings – PA66 is known for its good dielectric property together with thermal stability thereby making it appropriate when used as cable insulation material within protective housing components found in various electronic systems employed under maritime conditions because they ensure both safety and reliability even at the worst sea states.
Technical Parameters:
Dielectric Strength: 20-25 kV/mm
Heat Resistance: Continuous use up to 125°C
Halogen-free: Minimal toxic gas release during fire incidents
Justification: Validated via dielectric strength measurements under marine specific conditions plus thermal resistance test results obtained from them.
Composite Materials & Structural Components – Composite materials used for ship building or any other type of vessel construction where lightweight yet strong structures need to be achieved may include PA66 among their constituents owing this polymer’s compatibility with glass fibers (GF) or carbon fibres (CF) which enhances its mechanical properties thus providing strength without significant weight gain.
Technical Parameters:
Flexural Modulus: 2.7-3.2 GPa (with glass fiber reinforcement)
Water Absorption: <0.5%
Impact Resistance : High durability under dynamic load conditions
Justification: Confirmed through flexural testing, water absorption studies and impact resistance evaluations.
These applications show how important PA66 is in the marine industry since it can meet demanding performance criteria while still lasting longer in harsh sea conditions.
What Are the Technical Details of PA66?
The technical parameters of PA66, also known as Polyamide 66 are unique and that is what makes it a preferred material in many applications. According to the best sources:
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile Strength: 60 – 85 MPa (Mega Pascal) which enables it to withstand mechanical stresses.
Flexural Modulus: 2.7 – 3.2 GPa (Giga Pascal) especially when reinforced with glass fibers thus offering much rigidity and structural integrity.
Impact Resistance: It has high impact strength so that it can remain stable when subjected to sudden or dynamic loads.
Justification: The above values are determined by carrying out tests on samples using standard methods like ASTM or ISO; this ensures the uniformity of results in different situations.
Thermal Properties:
Heat Resistance: It can operate continuously at temperatures up to 125°C which is important for environments where heat may be generated frequently.
Melting Point: Approximately 255°C hence suitable even under conditions with high thermal loading.
Justification: These figures were obtained through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests alongside thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA); therefore proving that PA66 is good enough for thermally demanding environments.
Electrical Properties:
Dielectric Strength: Between 20 and 25 kV/mm making it ideal for electrical insulation purposes.
Volume Resistivity: Usually greater than 10^12 ohm·cm thereby exhibiting better electrical resistance qualities.
Justification: Electrical properties should meet certain standards set by organizations such as IEC and IEEE, hence they must be tested for through insulation and resistivity tests among others.
Chemical Resistance:
Water Absorption: Less than 0.5% indicating low susceptibility towards getting damaged by moisture content in surrounding areas.
Resistance to Oils and Solvents: It can withstand attack from various chemicals thus being usable in aggressive chemical environments too.
Justification: Chemical resistance is usually evaluated by immersing samples into different solutions or subjecting them under prolonged exposure to specific substances.
These parameters clearly show how strong PA66 is from a technical perspective, therefore it can be used in many industrial and marine applications where extreme conditions have to be met.
Mechanical Characteristics of PA66
Among the popular thermoplastics for engineering, PA66 or Polyamide 66 has impressive mechanical properties. These are:
Tensile Strength:
It ranges from 80-90 MPa which means it is highly resistant to stretching forces.
Justification: Figures of tensile strength are determined by the maximum stress that material can bear while stretched in a standard tensile test (ASTM D638).
Flexural Modulus:
The flexural modulus usually falls between 3000-3500 MPa which indicates high stiffness when bending is applied.
Justification: ASTM D790 tests give values of flexural modulus that help determine whether or not a material will maintain its shape under load.
Impact Strength:
Notched Izod impact strengths vary from 5-15 kJ/m² so they can withstand sudden impacts and forces reasonably well.
Justification: The capacity for withstanding high-energy impacts without breaking is measured by the ASTM D256 standard for impact strength testing.
Elongation at Break:
This value lies around 25-50% meaning it has great elasticity as well as ductility.
Justification: The percentage elongations represent how much deformation a material can take before breaking during tensile testing procedures (ASTM D638).
Hardness:
Typically, hardness on Rockwell Scale (R) measures between 80 and 85.
Justification: Surface resistance to scratching or indentation is tested using ASTM D785 methods for determining hardness.
These mechanical properties establish PA66 as an excellent choice for materials used in various industries where heavy-duty mechanical applications are common.
Thermal and Chemical Resistance of PA66
PA66 exhibits good thermal resistance, making it suitable for applications where stability at higher temperatures is required. It melts at approximately 255°C (491°F), thus enabling PA66 to have structural integrity even under extreme heating conditions. Justification: This high melting point is verified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis which helps in accurate measurement of thermal properties (Source: Ensinger Plastics, Polyone, DuPont).
Chemically, PA66 has excellent resistance to many solvents, oils and chemicals hence can maintain its mechanical properties when exposed to harsh environments. It is highly resistant to hydrocarbons, esters and ketones while being relatively unaffected by alkaline solutions. Justification: These attributes are established through various chemical testing and compatibility studies (Source: Ensinger, BASF, Material Data Safety Sheets).
Moreover, PA66 shows no significant loss in mechanical performance within a continuous use temperature range of -40°C to 120°C. Justification: Long-term thermal aging studies combined with material performance tests at different temperatures support this thermal operating range (Source: DuPont, BASF, MatWeb).
Due to the ability to withstand extreme heat as well as exposure towards many chemicals without much degradation happening makes the thermal and chemical resistance factors of PA66 very attractive for use in industries that deal with such conditions frequently.
How to Source and Stock PA66?
When it comes to managing your PA66 inventory, using information from the best sources in the industry can be extremely helpful. Below, we have compiled insights from leading websites on this subject and outlined key technical parameters.
Top PA66 Suppliers Worldwide
DuPont
Heat Resistance: Zytel PA66 by DuPont boasts a capability of withstanding temperatures as high as 180°C which makes it perfect for use in applications having extreme heat.
Chemical Resistance: The various Zytel grades are known for their resistance to automotive fluids and other aggressive chemical compounds.
Mechanical Properties: These include high tensile strength and impact resistance, which are important characteristics for any durable material.
Moisture Absorption: Low moisture absorption is ensured by Dupont so that robustness is not compromised under different environmental conditions.
BASF
Heat Resistance: BASF Ultramid® PA66 grades retain their structural integrity even when exposed to elevated temperatures up to 180°C.
Chemical Resistance: They exhibit excellent resistance against a wide range of automotive fluids and chemicals.
Mechanical Properties: High stiffness coupled with strength guarantees long-lasting performance of Ultramid® grades produced by BASF.
Moisture Absorption: Designed to have low water absorption levels across diverse humidity levels thus preserving mechanical properties over time.
EMS-GRIVORY
Heat Resistance: Some of their PA66 materials can operate continuously at temperatures above 180°C.
Chemical Resistance: Their products offer outstanding resistance to automotive fluids among other chemicals used today.
Mechanical Properties: EMS-GRIVORY pays attention to high impact strength and low friction coefficients which enhance durability and performance improvement measures respectively during design stages or production process optimization steps where they may be required most often than others depending on specific application requirements such as wear resistance improvements among others where this would be necessary (Figure 2).
Moisture Absorption: To facilitate this feature, materials made from EMS-GRIVORY have low moisture uptake thus enabling them to perform better when exposed to different working conditions.
Key Technical Parameters of PA66
Ensure that the following specifications are adhered to without compromise while reviewing suppliers and their product offerings.
Heat Resistance: The material should be able to withstand temperatures up to 180°C.
Chemical Resistance: It must show excellent performance against automotive fluids and harsh chemicals.
Mechanical Properties: High impact strength, tensile strength, stiffness and low friction coefficients should be considered during selection process or evaluation stage where more than one option may meet required technical performance requirements though such criteria could also serve as design inputs itself if deemed necessary for this purpose based on other factors like wear resistance improvements among others (Figure 4).
Moisture Absorption: Structural properties preservation in various environments necessitates confirmation of materials which exhibit lower moisture absorption rates over those with higher levels at any given time or condition within its usage environment.
These parameters will enable you to choose a reliable supplier who meets your needs. Standards set by the industry can only be met through use of accurate information obtained from trustworthy sources coupled with good record keeping practice while implementing PA66 stock program in line with operational requirements as demanded by best practices globally.
PA66 Items and Shapes
To choose PA66 items and shapes for different uses, it is important to rely on reputable sources. According to the three most relevant websites concerning PA66 on Google, the following components and shapes are provided with their technical parameters:
BASF Ultramid® PA66
Parts & Shapes: Granules and customized shapes available for automotive, industrial and consumer goods.
Technical Parameters: Very high tensile strength, excellent resistance to creep, low wear as well as frictional properties.
DuPont Zytel® PA66
Components and Shapes: Pellets commonly used in automotive industry; rods & plates widely employed in electrical/electronics industries
Technical Parameters: Good thermal endurance (up to 180°C), chemical resistance; High impact strength.
Radici Group Radilon® PA66
Components & Shapes: A wide range of granules tailored for mechanical/industrial applications profiled parts finished parts etc are available.
Technical Parameters: Exceptional thermal stability; High stiffness; Excellent dimensional stability even under humid conditions.
Technical Justification
These technical parameters are essential because they ensure that PA66 suits various applications in terms of performance:
Tensile Strength + Impact Resistance – Required by components that undergo continuous mechanical stresses.
Thermal Endurance – Critical where materials will be exposed to very high temperatures thereby necessitating stability over time
Chemical Resistance – For environments with chemicals or automotive fluids which may cause disintegration if not protected against
Dimensional Stability – Those sections meant to remain unchanged regarding shape or size under humidity or variable surroundings should be designed so as they do not fail due this attribute being absent hence leading to poor dependability levels.
Therefore, through considering such qualities while dealing only with reliable suppliers your items will meet quality standards expected from them by users who purchase these products knowing what is best about them during selection process.
Downloading Technical Data and Specifications
DuPont Zytel® PA66 Technical Specifications
Website: dupont.com
Technical Parameters:
Tensile strength: ≤290 MPa
Impact strength (Notched Izod): 15 kJ/m²
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): up to 260°C
Chemical resistance: resistant to various automotive fluids, solvents, and cleaning agents.
Explanation: DuPont Zytel® PA66 is known for its excellent heat resistance, good tensile and impact strength at high temperatures, as well as outstanding chemical resistance against most chemicals used in automotive industry or electrical applications located in harsh environments.
Radici Group Radilon® PA66 Technical Specifications
Website: radicigroup.com
Technical Parameters:
Tensile Strength: ~80−100 MPa
Impact Strength: 7-10 kJ/m²
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): around 70°C;
Dimensional Stability under Humidity Variations: negligible changes in size due to moisture absorption or desorption.
Explanation: Radilon® PA66 by Radici Group features high stiffness levels along with considerable mechanical stability even when exposed to humid conditions which coupled with impressive values of tensile strength render it suitable for use in demanding industrial settings where heavy loads may be involved .
BASF Ultramid® PA66 Technical Specifications
Website: basf.com
Technical Parameters:
Tensile Strength : ≤85 MPa ;
Elongation at Break : ~150% ;
Melting Point Temp : around 260°C;
Thermal Endurance : stable within 150-180 °C for prolonged periods of time .
Justification : Ultramid ®PA66 from BASF exhibits balanced properties such as good tensile behavior ,high elongation at break accompanied by a high melting point temperature thus making it suitable for applications requiring both mechanical and thermal stability.
By using technical data obtained from reliable sources like DuPont, Radici Group or BASF , you can be certain that the chosen PA66 grades will meet strict quality and performance requirements imposed by different industries .
Reference Sources
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