PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PPA (Polyphthalamide): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PPA (Polyphthalamide)
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.
PPA (Polyphthalamide)
Polyphthalamide — semi-aromatic high-performance polyamide. 55%+ aromatic diacid (TPA/IPA) gives Tg ~125°C and Tm >310°C — far above PA66 (Tg 50°C, Tm 260°C). Much lower moisture absorption than aliphatic PAs. SMT-reflow compatible (260°C+). Trade names: Amodel (Solvay/Syensqo), Zytel HTN (Celanese), Ultramid T (BASF), Grivory HT (EMS). Used for automotive powertrain (thermostat housings, charge air coolers), SMT connectors, LED headlamp housings, and metal-replacement applications to 280°C.
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | PPA (Polyphthalamide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 527-1 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PPA (Polyphthalamide) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polylaurolactam (from laurolactam/12-aminolauric acid) | 99–99.9% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Semi-Aromatic Polyphthalamide) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PPA (Polyphthalamide) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45–60 | 80–95 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40–50 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | 100–300 | 10–30 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| hdt_1.8mpa |
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PA12 (Nylon 12) and PPA (Polyphthalamide) 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 PPA (Polyphthalamide)?
PA12 (Nylon 12) and PPA (Polyphthalamide) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA12 (Nylon 12) with PPA (Polyphthalamide)?
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 PPA (Polyphthalamide)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA12 (Nylon 12) is a Polymers grade, while PPA (Polyphthalamide) 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.