The long chain nylon specifically nylon 12 (PA12, PA610, PA612,PA1012, etc.) with its unique molecular structure has a series of excellent properties and has become an irreplaceable key material in many industrial fields.
The Core advantages as following
1. Excellent flexibility and low-temperature impact resistance: the long-chain nylon molecule chain is longer and more flexible, and its glass transition temperature (Tg) is significantly lower than that of short-chain nylon (such as PA6, PA66). This allows it to maintain extremely high toughness and impact resistance in low-temperature environments, making it less prone to cracking.
2. Extremely low water absorption and dimensional stability: The amide group (-NHCO-) is a hydrophilic group, but due to its relatively low content in long-chain nylon and the dominance of long hydrophobic carbon chains, its water absorption rate is extremely low (the saturated water absorption rate of PA12 is about 1.5%, much lower than that of PA66, which is 8.5%). Low water absorption means that the size of the product changes little with humidity and can maintain high-precision size stability.
3. Excellent resistance to chemical corrosion and hydrolysis: excellent resistance to a variety of chemicals, especially oils, hydrocarbon fuels, salt solutions, and coolants. At the same time, the low water absorption rate also gives it excellent hydrolysis resistance, and it can work stably for a long time in humid or water environments.
4. Good wear resistance and mechanical properties: inherits the inherent high mechanical strength and wear resistance characteristics of the nylon family, although the absolute strength is slightly lower than PA66, its combination of flexibility and wear resistance is more outstanding.
5. Other characteristics: It also has good electrical insulation, fatigue resistance, easy processing (low melting point, wide processing window), and biobased origin (PA11 is derived from castor oil, which has a sustainable advantage).
In summary, long-chain nylon (represented by PA12) does not win with absolute strength, but with its unique combination of properties - low water absorption, high flexibility, Excellent chemical resistance and environmental stability - has found its strategic positioning in those niche markets with high requirements for dimensional accuracy, durability and reliability, and has successfully replaced metal, traditional plastics and even rubber, becoming an indispensable high-performance polymer material in high-end industrial applications.
All the above advantages make long-chain nylon the preferred material for certain harsh operating conditions, and its application fields and selection reasons in industries and mechanical parts such as:
- Pneumatic and hydraulic piping:
- Cable sheathing
- Mechanical gears, bearings, and slides
- 3D printing
