Types Of Polyamides and Their Applications

Amide monomers connect with the peptide bonds to come up with a result that is known as polyamide. There are some natural examples of polyamides and these are wool and silk. Today the process of polyamide is used in a number of industries such as automotive in higher number because it is much cheaper in comparison to other materials.

Aliphatic Polyamides

N 6 or PA 6, 6

This melts at a very high temperature and also has the property of abrasion resistance. Hence, it is perfect in making various machine parts. Along with its benefits, also there are a few disadvantages. It absorbs lot of water and is very poor in chemical resistance. As it is strong and high in heat resistance, it can work as thermoplastic.

Nylon 6 or PA 6

This is a bit crystalline and is very much resistant to abrasion.

Nylon 6 or 10/ PA 6, 10

This has chemical–resistant and acid–resistance properties and is also known as to be much stronger than any other nylon.  It is so strong that it even does not break down under salts such as zinc chloride. As it absorbs less amount of moisture and hence offers great quality when it is wet.

Nylon 11/ PA 11

This is extracted from vegetable oil and is resistant to UV but is not resistance to either halogens or acids.

Nylon 6 or 12/ P 6, 12

One of the most expensive ones is resistant to heat, but is very low resistant to acids and also bases. Also it cannot absorb much water.

Nylon 12/ PA 12

It can take any shape and size and hence due to flexibility, it is much expensive than any other available nylons.

Nylon 6 or 9/ PA 6, 9

This can absorb very less amount of moisture and also melts at a much lower temperature.

Nylon 4 or 6/ PA 4, 6

This nylon is highly resistant to chemical and also to crystallizing. Many of the nylons may lose its properties in very high temperature, but this is not the case with this nylon.

Aromatic Polyamides

Aramid

This aromatic polyamide is not conductive in nature but is very much sensitive to the ultra violet. It also has a good resistant against abrasion and also organic solvents.

Polyphthalamide

This is mainly a semi-aromatic polyamide and stiffer and also is resistant to creep in a good way. Apart from being a creep-resistant, it is also resistant against heat, abrasion and chemicals.

Application of Polyamides in automotives

In automotive industry, there are a few Polyamides that are used such as PA 6, PA 6, 6, PA 4, 6, PA 12 and PA 6, 12. These are all used in different areas of the automotive.

Air intake

There was a time when the air intake of the automobiles was being made of metals. But today when PA 6 is used, it not only reduces the weight but also increases the fuel efficiency. Recently grades PA 4, 6 and PA 6, 6 are also used for automotive air intake that reduces the productive cost too.

Engine covers and Rocker valve covers

PA 6 is again used for engine covers and also for Rocker valve covers. PA 6 allows the high flow of pressure and is also great to provide a greater surface look. Also PA 6 is very stiff and strong to maintain itself in the form of covers.

Air bag containers

Due to stiffness and ability to face high temperature, PA 6 is also used in air bags.

Car powertrain

Here such substance has to be used that is resistant to any wear and tear and provide better performance each time. In this case PA 4, 6 is the best solution.

Cooling system

PA 6, 6 is used in cooling systems. Also it is used in headlamp bezels.

Exterior parts

The exteriors parts of the automotive are also now made of Polyamides. PA 6, again due to its stiffness is used in mirrors, grills, handles, lids, caps, trim and wheel covers.

Other parts

PA 12 is often used for fuel lines. Similarly, for hydraulic clutch lines, PA 6, 12 is highly used.

Polyamides are a superior choice for automotive applications and many other applications these days because they are held to be higher in nature and performance than plastics. Also these can be recycled and re-used saving the environment.