PA12

Polyamide 12 (PA12) comes close to PA11 in terms of its properties. It is used in specific applications where the specifications justify the higher price, notably in the automotive industry (fuel and pressure lines, filters, bearings). The material exhibits considerable similarity with PA11.

PA12 is subject to thermal ageing, so the temperature at which the standard types are used must remain below 65°C. However, heat stabilising types are obtainable that are usable at temperatures of up to 90 to 100°C. Of all polyamides, PA12 absorbs the least moisture, namely 0.7% at 23°C/50 RH and 1.5% after saturation in water of 23°C.

Its impact resistance is excellent, as is its chemical resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alkaline substances. It is not resistant to certain concentrated acids and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Sensitivity to stress cracks is lower than that of all other polyamides.

PA12 is extremely flexible and has high wear and impact resistance, unaffected by moisture absorption. When reinforced with glass fibre, the material is reasonably resistant to deformation at temperatures of up to approximately 60°C, but this resistance deteriorates significantly at higher temperatures. PA12 ranks among the polyamides with the highest electrical resistance, partly thanks to the low absorption of moisture.