Polyamide (PA)
Description
Polyamides are long-chain polymers containing amide units –(N-H-C=O). These compounds are produced through polymerization. For example, polyamide 6.6 – PA 66 is produced by the reaction between hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. Polyamides are widely used engineering polymers due to their excellent price-to-quality ratio.
The two main types of polyamides are:
- Polyamide 6 – PA 6
- Polyamide 6.6 – PA 66
Other polyamide families are produced by modifying the chemical structure.
Key Characteristics
- Resistance to aging at high temperatures
- High strength and rigidity – glass fiber reinforced types
- Functional strength at low temperatures
- High flowability, allowing for easy molding
- Inherent flame resistance
- Excellent dielectric properties
- Good abrasion resistance
- Excellent chemical resistance
- High resistance to fuels, aromatic substances, and oils
Properties and Resistance
Polyamides find wide application due to their high stability and strength. They combine good resistance at high and low temperatures with excellent chemical and abrasion resistance.
High flowability allows for easy molding, and good dielectric properties contribute to the application of polyamides in the electrical and electronic industries.
Processing and Applications
The main applications of polyamides are:
Automotive Industry:
- Air-fuel intake systems
- Powertrain – gears, clutches, and tensioners
- Engine covers
- Air ducts
- Exterior components – grilles, door handles, mirror housings, and wheel covers
- Interior components – airbag containers
Electrical and Electronics:
- Power distribution – low-voltage switchgear
- Electrical components – switches
- Connectors – terminal blocks and industrial CEE connectors
General Industry:
- Mechanical tools – internal parts and housings
- Railway tie pads
- Wheels
- Furniture
- Films for the food industry – packaging for various food products
- Tubes and pipes
