Akulon® is ideal for injection molding thanks to its unique combination of short- and long-term low and high temperature properties under various chemical conditions.
Temperature Considerations
Akulon® has a continuous-use temperature of up to 185ºC. In fact, the chart below shows that polyamide 6 delivers better long-term performance at high temperatures than polyamide 66 and should be the preferred material for any application running for extended periods above 150ºC.
With superior end-of-life properties of up to 60%, polyamide 6 can be used at the design stage, either to reduce the amount of material needed, or by extending durability or part life guarantees.
Polyamide 66 is preferred where temperatures spike at above 215ºC (the HDT of glass reinforced polyamide 6) but less than 250ºC. For even higher temperatures, a material like our super heat-resistant Stanyl polyamide 46 is ideal, for example, in part fabrication where secondary processing under high temperatures happens, such as soldering in electrical applications.
Hydrolysis Critical Environments
In hot water environments of 100ºC+ polyamides can suffer from hydrolysis – especially when glycol (as an anti-freeze additive) is found (the rate being determined by the amount of water absorbed). Because polyamide 66 absorbs less than polyamide 6, its performance is slightly better. However, for reinforced materials, higher fill levels in polyamide 6 mean grades that deliver the same performance as a polyamide 66, with a lower level of reinforcement. This offers benefits in terms of stiffness, but disadvantages in terms of part weight and design flexibility.
Low temperatures
Polyamide 6 has better ductility than polyamide 66. At lower temperatures this makes it a tougher material – less impact sensitive, less notch sensitive and with ductile behavior at lower temperatures. The result: Safer parts (less risk of splintering at low temperatures) and lower breakage levels during processing because parts are tougher coming out of the mold. For unmodified grades where lower temperatures are found, polyamide 6 provides the better performance. Typical applications for this low temperature performance are power tools, ski and snowboard bindings, and automotive exterior parts.
Thermal Properties
Akulon® performs over a wide temperature range. Unfilled and reinforced materials can be used for demanding engineering applications from as low as -40°C (-40°F) to just below the melting point of the polymer: 220°C (428°F) in the case of polyamide 6 and 260°C (500°F) for polyamide 66.
The high crystallinity and melting point of Akulon® enables these materials to retain stiffness at elevated temperatures. For critical applications, this ensures better safety margins and enables thinner walls compared to other materials.
When it comes to measuring properties after aging, this is best performed under real conditions in the application itself. For automotive applications where peak temperatures remain under 180°C (356°F), polyamide 6 provides better heat aging resistance and improved security and durability compared to polyamide 66.
Akulon® has a full portfolio that provides excellent long- and short-term mechanical properties.
For high mechanical strength Akulon® has 50 and 60% glass filled grades in the portfolio. These are suitable for metal replacement where high strength and fatigue are key.
Akulon® has excellent electrical properties and conforms to all global standards.
The Akulon® product line provides a full range of flame-retardant grades
The Akulon® portfolio contains both unfilled as well as glass or mineral filled grades, including a halogen free flame retardant portfolio.
