PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PA66 (Nylon 66): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PA66 (Nylon 66)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
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.
PA66 (Nylon 66)
Polyamide 66 — stiffer and more heat-resistant than PA6. Higher crystallinity gives better creep resistance and ~40°C higher melting point (260°C vs 220°C). Slightly more brittle. More moisture-sensitive at saturation than PA6. Trade names include Ultramid A (BASF), Zytel 101 (DuPont), Tecamid 66 (Ensinger). Dominant in US/UK markets. Used for automotive engine components, electrical connectors, gears, cable ties, and industrial bushings.
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polylaurolactam (from laurolactam/12-aminolauric acid) | 99–99.9% | — | — |
| Hexamethylenediamine unit | — | 45–55% | — |
| Adipic Acid unit | — | 45–55% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45–60 | 80–90 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40–50 | 80–85 | MPa |
| Elongation | 100–300 | 15–40 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Tensile Modulus | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Charpy Impact (notched) | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Glass Transition Temp | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Water Absorption (saturation) |
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PA12 (Nylon 12) and PA66 (Nylon 66) 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 PA12 (Nylon 12) the same as PA66 (Nylon 66)?
PA12 (Nylon 12) and PA66 (Nylon 66) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA12 (Nylon 12) with PA66 (Nylon 66)?
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 PA12 (Nylon 12) and PA66 (Nylon 66)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA12 (Nylon 12) is a Polymers grade, while PA66 (Nylon 66) 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.