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DSM AKULON PA6 SAID TO OUTPERFORM PA66 FORMULATIONS ON PRICE/PERFORMANCE
28 January 2004 - DSM Engineering Plastics
| The choice of a polyamide (PA) thermoplastic for an engineering application, particularly between PA6 and PA66, often focuses on heat aging or strength and stiffness - and cost. Akulon PA6 from DSM Engineering Plastics offers performance equal to or better than many competitive PA66 formulations, with significantly better price/performance when processability is factored in. |
PA6 and PA66 are generally chosen for high stiffness and strength at temperatures above 100C, or for high impact resistance at low temperatures, 23C (or even down to -40C). Stiffness and strength for conventional PA6 and PA66 formulations, as well as dimensional change after uptake of water, are comparable. However, in comparison with competing PA66s, Akulon PA6, shows:
• better retention of strength both at ambient temperature as well as above 100C after heat aging,
• higher impact resistance at low temperatures (even in dry, as-moulded state) and
• much better processability, measured both in lower processing costs per part and in more favourable processing parameters: a broader processing window, better surface appearance, and higher weld strength.
Tensile strength (TS) at 23C for Akulon PA6 after heat aging is well above 140 MPa, compared to a typical PA66 value of ~90 MPa, or 155% higher TS for Akulon. TS of Akulon versus typical PA66s at 170C after heat ageing is 160% higher (80 MPa for Akulon; 50 MPa for PA66). Figures are for 30% glass-reinforced formulations for all types and are based on internal testing at DSM; figures are values after heat aging at 170C for 5000 hours. As with all polyamides, Akulon PA6 absorbs moisture reversibly from the environment until it reaches equilibrium. Although PA6 absorbs more moisture than PA66, especially under high humidity, the resulting dimensional changes between the two are similar. With PA6 there is some reduction of the glass transition temperature with uptake of water and a consequent lowering of stiffness and strength at room temperature, but most applications call for elevated temperatures, and above 100C, parameters affected by water show minimal change from as-moulded values. DSM Akulon PA6 formulations include neat; high stiffness (30-40% glass reinforcement); higher stiffness (>50% glass); Ultraflow with 50% better flow than regular materials; Ultralas for laser welding or laser marking; high-burst, impact-modified for splinter-free performance as low as -33C; ultraviolet (UV)-stable; and blow mouldable grades. Akulon is also available in film grades. Typical applications include under-bonnet automotive components and assemblies including air cleaners, intake manifolds and engine covers; automotive appearance items such as door handles; electrical components such as connectors, junction boxes, and terminal blocks; power tool and lawn and garden enclosures and housings; a wide variety of sports equipment, including ski bindings and inline skates; and a broad range of appliance and building and construction applications.
http://www.dsmep.com
About: DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group forming part of DSM's Performance Materials cluster. DSM EP is a global supplier of Stanyl PA46 and Akulon 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel TPE-E, Arnite PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar polycarbonate, Yparex extrudable adhesive resins, and Stamylan UH Ultra High Molecular Weight PE. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. The business group had annual sales of EUR 566 million in 2003. With Stanyl, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.Stanyl is a family of heat-resistant polyamides from DSM Engineering Plastics. Stanyl’s high crystallinity (70% versus 50% for conventional PA66) results in high heat distortion temperatures of 190C for unreinforced grades, up to 290C for reinforced. Stanyl grades are used in automotive clutch plates, charge air coolers, chain tensioners; electrical components including motor frames and end laminates, circuit breakers, controls and connectors; and home and power tool components, including heat shields and heat-resistant utensils.
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