PA11 (Polyamide 11) vs PA12 (Nylon 12): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA11 (Polyamide 11) vs PA12 (Nylon 12)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PA11 (Polyamide 11)
Polyamide 11 — bio-based engineering thermoplastic derived from castor oil (ricinus). Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66 (0.9% vs 2.5-8%), better chemical resistance, and excellent low-temperature impact. 11 carbon atoms between amide groups = long aliphatic chain = more flexible/tough. Trade name: Rilsan (Arkema). Used for flexible tubing (automotive fuel/brake lines, pneumatic), offshore flexible pipes, powder coating, and SLS 3D printing (PA 2200 alternative).
PA12 (Nylon 12)
Polyamide 12 — the long-chain polyamide with the lowest moisture absorption of all PA grades (0.1-0.15% vs PA6: 1.5%). Excellent dimensional stability in humid environments. Best chemical resistance among polyamides (oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids). Lowest density of all PA (1.01 g/cm³). Also the dominant 3D printing (SLS/MJF) material. Trade names include Rilsamid (Arkema), Grilamid L (EMS), TECAMID 12 (Ensinger), Vestamid L (Evonik). Used for fuel lines, brake lines, pneumatic tubing, cable sheathing, and 3D-printed functional parts.
| PA11 (Polyamide 11) | PA12 (Nylon 12) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 527-1 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PA11 (Polyamide 11) | PA12 (Nylon 12) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poly(11-aminoundecanoic acid) from castor oil | 99–99.9% | — | — |
| Polylaurolactam (from laurolactam/12-aminolauric acid) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA11 (Polyamide 11) | PA12 (Nylon 12) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 40–50 | 45–60 | MPa |
| Elongation | 200–350 | 100–300 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 1100–1400 | 1.1–1.6 | MPa |
| Density | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Yield Strength | |||
| Melting Point |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
PA11 (Polyamide 11) and PA12 (Nylon 12) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PA11 (Polyamide 11) the same as PA12 (Nylon 12)?
PA11 (Polyamide 11) and PA12 (Nylon 12) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA11 (Polyamide 11) with PA12 (Nylon 12)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PA11 (Polyamide 11) and PA12 (Nylon 12)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA11 (Polyamide 11) is a Polymers grade, while PA12 (Nylon 12) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.