Rilsamid® Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12) Material
What is Polyamide 12?
Polyamide 12 (PA12), or Nylon 12 is a thermoplastic polymer with a unique chemical structure. PA 12 is made from a 12-carbon chain monomer, typically derived from omega-aminolauric acid or laurolactam. This long chain provides it with unique flexibility and low moisture absorption compared to shorter-chain polyamides like PA 6 or PA 66. PA12 is a versatile high-performance polymer, commonly known for its exceptional properties such as chemical resistance, durability, and strength. PA12 is the material of choice for a wide range of applications in automotive, industry, aerospace and electronics.
Polymiade 12 applications
Automotive Industry Applications
- Air brake tubing for trucks: Ensures high performance and durability on the road.
- Automotive connectors, fittings & injection molded components: Designed to withstand rigorous automotive standards.
- Vehicle emission control systems: Reliable performance in emission-critical applications.
- Vehicle fluid & fuel management systems: Ensures long-lasting integrity and resistance to various fluids.
Mechanical engineering applications
- General Tubing & Hose: Ideal for applications requiring flexibility and chemical resistance.
- Bearings & Gears: PA12 offers high resistance to friction, wear and impact resistance to produce low maintenance, wear and abrasion-resistant parts.
Aircraft and Aerospace Industry
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Lightweight components: Interior panelling components and structural support parts are essential to reduce the overall weight.
- Tooling solutions: PA12 is a solution of choice for creating lightweight and high-performance jigs and fixtures.
- Hydraulic system components: PA12 offers excellent chemical resistance for components for seals, gaskets and tubing.
Cables application
Protection & insulation: PA12's insulative properties and resistance to the environment make it ideal for cable protection in harsh conditions.
Key Benefits of Rilsamid® PA12
Rilsamid® PA12 polymers provide properties that help manufacturers meet stringent design and performance requirements. Key benefits include:
- Ease of Processing: Rilsamid® PA12 is a versatile material, that processes efficiently on standard equipment like extrusion and injection molding systems across sectors.
- Lightweight: The lightweight nature of polyamide 12 contributes to enhanced fuel economy in automotive, aerospace, and other transportation applications.
- Superior Noise and Vibration Dampening: Excellent dampening qualities make it a top choice for applications requiring minimal vibration.
- High Chemical Resistance: Resistant to many chemicals, PA12 is an excellent choice for components in contact with oils, fuels, and other automotive fluids.
- Low Water Absorption and Dimensional Stability: Compared to lower polyamides like PA6 or PA66, Rilsamid® PA12 demonstrates superior dimensional stability, even in humid environments.
- Outstanding Impact Resistance and Flexibility: Especially valuable in low-temperature applications, polyamide 12 withstands significant impact without cracking, while retaining flexibility.
- Exceptional Abrasion Resistance: Durable under mechanical stress, PA12 is a reliable material for parts exposed to friction and wear.
PA12 vs PA6
Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12) and Polyamide 6 (PA6) are both widely used high-performance materials, but they differ significantly in several key properties:
- Moisture Absorption: PA12 has significantly lower moisture uptake compared to PA6, resulting in greater dimensional stability and more consistent mechanical properties in humid environments. This makes PA12 preferable for outdoor or high-humidity applications such as fuel lines and pneumatic systems.
- Chemical Resistance: PA12 is superior to PA6 in terms of chemical resistance, including oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids, making it a better choice for demanding environments where exposure to harsh substances is a concern.
- Impact Resistance: PA12 provides better impact resistance than PA6, making it more suitable for applications requiring toughness and resistance to sudden forces, such as protective housings and automotive components.
- Density: PA12 has a lower density compared to PA6, which results in lighter components without compromising strength. This advantage is particularly beneficial in weight-sensitive applications such as the aerospace and automotive industries.
- Termite Resistance: PA12 exhibits natural resistance to termites, making it an ideal choice for cable sheathing and other applications in environments prone to pest infestations, whereas PA6 does not offer the same level of protection.
Visit our material database
Rilsamid® polymers are available globally in a wide range of natural, pigmented, filled, plasticized, or reinforced compounds. Visit our materials database to search for the best grade.