Nylon 12 (PA 12)
Also known as: Polyamide 12, PA 12, Vestamid, Rilsan
Long-chain polyamide with very low moisture uptake — the standard for flexible hoses, sporting goods and 3D printing.
Description
Nylon 12 (PA 12) is a long-chain polyamide with 12 carbon atoms in the repeating unit. It is commercially produced by ring-opening polymerisation of laurolactam. Key producers are Evonik (Vestamid), Arkema (Rilsan), EMS-Chemie (Grilamid) and SH Energy & Chemical.
PA 12 has the lowest melting point among the large industrial polyamides (178–180 °C) and the lowest density (1.01 g/cm³). It is characterised by extremely low moisture uptake (<1.5 %), very good chemical and stress-cracking resistance and high flexibility. Textile applications are mostly in sport: ski boots, ski and snowboard bindings, golf ball covers, plus fuel lines, cable jackets, medical catheters and SLS 3D printing.
- PA 12 (long-chain polyamide)
- Melting point 178–180 °C, density 1.01 g/cm³
- Moisture uptake <1.5 %
- Sporting goods, technical parts, 3D printing
Thanks to its low moisture uptake, PA 12 stays dimensionally stable even under humid conditions.
Properties
| Fibre type | Polyamide 12 |
|---|---|
| Melting point | 178–180 °C |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ |
| Use | Sporting goods, hoses, 3D printing |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Nylon 12 Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nylon_12
