Polyamide (PA Resin)
PA nylon resin for automotive applications. Featuring high strength and heat resistance, it is suitable for engine compartment components and precision parts.
Polyamide (PA Resin)
Appearance: Polyamide pellets are typically opaque to translucent, with colors ranging from off-white, milky white, to light yellow, depending on the type and additives.
HS Code: 39081000
Other Names:
- Polyamide
- Nylon (common trade name)
- Polyamide Resin
- PA Polymer
- Polyamide polymers
- Nylon polymers
Identifier:
- CAS Number: 63428-83-1
- ECHA InfoCard: Example: PA6: 100.105.943
- UNII: Example: PA6: 5M8RTH0U1Q
- CompTox Dashboard (EPA): WhatsApp: 8619952788271
Properties:
Molecular formula: PA6 is (C6H11NO)n, PA66 is (C12H22N2O2)n
Density:
1.13–1.15 g/cm³ (PA6, crystalline state)
1.14–1.16 g/cm³ (PA66, crystalline state)
Amorphous grades are slightly lower (approximately 1.08–1.10 g/cm³)
Melting point:
PA6: 215–225°C(419–437°F; 488–498 K)
PA66: 255–265°C(491–509°F; 528–538 K)
Other types (e.g., PA11, PA12) range from 170–200°C (338–392°F; 443–473 K)
This article provides an overview of PA fundamentals, with a focus on PA6 and PA66 (nylon 6 and nylon 6,6), the most common types in industrial applications. For deeper insights into specific polyamide variants or other properties (e.g., tensile strength or water absorption), please let us know!
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Supply of PA pellets in various grades
PA6 is easier to process, offers superior surface aesthetics, and is more cost-effective, making it suitable for complex or appearance parts.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Brand | Charpy notched impact strength 23°C (kJ/m²) | Properties |
| B3K | BASF | ULTRAMID | 5.5 | Download |
| B3L | BASF | ULTRAMID | 10 | Download |
| B3EG6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 15 | Download |
| B3WG6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 15 | Download |
| B3HG7 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 15 | Download |
| B3WG7 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 14 | Download |
| B3G8 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 14 | Download |
| B3WG10 LF | BASF | ULTRAMID | 22 | Download |
| B3ZG3 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 16 | Download |
| B3GK24 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 5 | Download |
| B3K6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 3.5 | Download |
| B3M6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 9 | Download |
| 7335F | DUPONT | ZYTEL | 4 | Download |
| 7300T | DUPONT | ZYTEL | 15 | Download |
| 7331T | DUPONT | ZYTEL | 16 | Download |
| 73G20L | DUPONT | ZYTEL | 15 | Download |
| 73G30HSL | DUPONT | ZYTEL | 12 | Download |
| 73G45HSL | DUPONT | ZYTEL | 23 | Download |
| 73G35HSL | Celanese | ZYTEL | 21 | Download |
| Grade | Manufacturer | Brand | Charpy notched impact strength 23°C (kJ/m²) | Properties |
| A3K | BASF | ULTRAMID | 5 | Download |
| A3W | BASF | ULTRAMID | 6 | Download |
| A3Z | BASF | ULTRAMID | 90 | Download |
| A4H | BASF | ULTRAMID | 5.7 | Download |
| A3WG3 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 8 | Download |
| A3EG5 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 12 | Download |
| A3HG5 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 8.7 | Download |
| A3WG5 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 12 | Download |
| A3EG6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 13 | Download |
| A3WG6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 13 | Download |
| A3HG6 HR | BASF | ULTRAMID | 10.4 | Download |
| A3EG7 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 14 | Download |
| A3HG7 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 11.9 | Download |
| A3WG7 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 14 | Download |
| A3WG7 HRX | BASF | ULTRAMID | 12 | Download |
| A3WG8 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 13 | Download |
| A3EG10 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 18 | Download |
| A3WG10 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 18 | Download |
| A3WGM53 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 8 | Download |
| A3ZG6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 19 | Download |
| A3K R01 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 5 | Download |
| A3U32 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 3 | Download |
| A3UG5 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 7.5 | Download |
| A3U42G6 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 8 | Download |
| A3X2G5 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 13 | Download |
| A3XZG5 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 25 | Download |
| A3X2G7 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 14 | Download |
| A3X2G10 | BASF | ULTRAMID | 13 | Download |
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Polyamide (PA Resin) FAQ
How is polyamide produced?
Polyamide is typically produced through the condensation reaction between diamines and dicarboxylic acids, or via the ring-opening polymerization of lactams (e.g., caprolactam for PA6). These polymerization processes form long-chain polymers with repeating amide bonds (–CONH–), which impart polyamide's characteristic strength, heat resistance, and durability. Different synthesis methods yield various types of polyamide resins, such as PA6 and PA66, each differing in melting point, crystallinity, and mechanical properties.
After polymerization, the molten polyamide is typically extruded through a die into strands. These strands are then rapidly cooled (usually in a water bath) to solidify the material. Following cooling, the strands are fed into a pelletizer and cut into uniform cylindrical or lenticular pellets. These pellets are subsequently dried to remove moisture and packaged for storage or downstream processing, such as injection molding or extrusion. The pellet form ensures ease of handling, consistent feeding in processing equipment, and stable material quality.
What are the key physical and mechanical properties of polyamide resins?
Density: Density: typically 1.12 to 1.15 g/cm³.
Tensile strength: typically ranging from 70 to 90 MPa. Melting point: For example, PA66 has a melting point of approximately 255°C, while PA6 approaches around 220°C.
Melting point: Impact resistance: Known for excellent toughness, suitable for demanding applications.
These data support the use of polyamide resins in applications where durability and strength are critical. What are the common applications of polyamide (PA resin)?
These data points support the use of PA resin in applications where durability and strength are critical.
What are the common applications of Polyamide (PA resin)?
PA resin is widely used across multiple industries due to its balanced performance:
Automotive industry: Components such as gears, bearings, and under-hood parts benefit from PA's mechanical strength and heat resistance.
Electrical industry: Its good insulating properties make it suitable for connectors and housings.
Textile industry: Nylon fibers made from PA resin are used in fabrics and carpets due to their durability.
Consumer goods: Commonly found in kitchen utensils, sporting goods, and various molded components.
What are the main types of polyamide used in industry?
PA6: Offers good processability and mechanical properties.
PA66: Known for higher stiffness and heat resistance compared to PA6.
Other PA grades: Variants such as PA11 and PA12 are used when lower density or higher chemical resistance is required.
Each type is selected based on specific performance criteria and end-use requirements.
How does PA resin compare to other engineering plastics?
Compared with many other thermoplastics, PA resins offer a superior balance of strength, flexibility, and wear resistance. For instance, their tensile strength of 70–90 MPa and high thermal stability make them more suitable for heavy-duty applications than general-purpose plastics. However, their moisture absorption can be relatively high, which may affect dimensional stability under specific conditions.
What are the current market trends for polyamides?
Demand for PA resins remains steady, driven by the automotive, electrical, and consumer goods industries. Ongoing research focuses on improving moisture resistance and developing sustainable recycling practices. Market reports indicate that the emphasis on lightweight, high-performance materials in industrial applications will support moderate growth.