Polyamide

What is Polyamide

Polyamides are long chain polymers containing amide units (N-H-C=O). These polymers are obtained from the polymerization of an acid with an amide. For example, Polyamide 6.6 (PA 66) is obtained from the reaction of adipic acid with hexamethyldienamine.

Polyamides are among the most widely used polymer families among engineering polymers due to their excellent balance of performance and cost.

History

Polyamide 66 or nylon 66 (PA 66) was first developed by DuPont in 1935, while Polyamide 6 or nylon 6 (PA 6) was first developed in 1952.

Features

– Resistance to abrasion at high temperatures and long periods of time.
– High strength and high hardness.
– Functional robustness even at low temperatures.
– High fluidity for easy mold filling.
– Resistance to fire due to its inherent properties.
– Excellent di-electrical property.
– Resistance to abrasion.
– Exceptional chemical resistance.
– High resistance to chemical fuel, oil or flavored materials.
– High oxygen barrier.
– Water absorption
– Perfect cost/performance balance.

Processing Techniques
– Injection molding
– Extrusion
– Blow molding
– Water assisted molding

Varieties
– Polyamide 6 (PA 6)
– Polyamide 6.6 (PA 66)

Usage areas