What is Polyamide (PA6, PA66, PA46 and PA12)?

Polyamide, also known as nylon, is a type of polymer that is made from monomers called amides. It is a synthetic polymer that is known for its excellent mechanical and thermal properties, as well as its good chemical resistance.

Polyamide is a semi-crystalline polymer that has a high melting temperature and a high modulus of elasticity. It has good wear resistance and low coefficient of friction, making it an excellent choice for use in applications where high strength and low friction are required. It also has good chemical resistance and is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents.

PA Properties

PA has many different grades that exhibit different properties depending on its makeup.

There are several types of polyamides, including nylon 6, nylon 6/6, nylon 6/10, nylon 6/12, and nylon 11. Each type of polyamide has its own unique properties and is used in different applications. For example, nylon 6 is a strong and tough material that is used in applications where high strength and toughness are required, while nylon 6/6 is a more flexible and elastic material that is used in applications where flexibility and elasticity are required.

Polyamide Applications

Chemical processing industry:
Polyamides are used in the chemical processing industry for a variety of applications, including the production of tanks, pipes, and other components that are exposed to harsh chemicals. Their excellent chemical resistance makes them a suitable choice for these applications.
Textile industry:
Polyamides are used in the textile industry for the production of clothing, blankets, and other textiles, due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties and good chemical resistance.
Sports equipment:
Polyamides are used in the production of sports equipment, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, and other sporting goods, due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties and good impact resistance.
Most Applications
Polyamides are one of the most common types of polymer material worldwide. They are applied to a huge range of industries and applications do to their low cost and durability.

Common PA grades and their properties:

Polyamide 6 (PA6):
PA6 is a strong and tough material that has a high melting temperature and a high modulus of elasticity. It has good wear resistance and low coefficient of friction, making it an excellent choice for use in applications where high strength and low friction are required. It is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents.
Polyamide 66 (PA66):
PA66 Exhibits the same characteristics as PA, however as a general rule, it has slightly lower water absorption rates and also higher temperature resistance. These improved characteristics over PA6 result in slightly higher cost implications.
Polyamide 46 (PA46):
PA46 is a strong and tough material that has a high melting temperature and a high modulus of elasticity. It is a more stable material than PA66 due to its lower oxygen permeability. This makes it perfect for use in fasteners such as push rivets etc.
Polyamide 12 (PA12):
PA12 is a flexible and elastic material that has a high melting temperature and a high modulus of elasticity. It has good wear resistance and low coefficient of friction, making it an excellent choice for use in applications where flexibility and elasticity are required. It is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents.

Summarised Properties of Polyamide:

Low cost - Perfect for general fastening applications

Great wear resistance - Nylon is a self lubricating material and exhibits great wear resistance. Perfect for applications involving moving parts.

Chemical and Oil resistance - high chemical and oil resistance make Nylon fasteners perfect for use in the automotive industry
- Ultra low weight
- Flame resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Hydrolysis resistance
- Oil resistance
- Non-Magnetic
- Low thermal conductivity
- Non-Corrosive
- Low water absorption
- Impact resistance