PA12 (Nylon 12) vs Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA12 (Nylon 12) vs Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)
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.
Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)
Silicone rubber (VMQ = Vinyl Methyl Polysiloxane) — THE extreme-temperature elastomer. Usable from -60°C to +230°C continuous (short-term +300°C). Excellent UV/ozone/weathering resistance. Biocompatible (FDA, USP Class VI). Low compression set. Electrically insulating. Lower tensile/tear strength than organic rubbers. Used for seals/gaskets, medical tubing/implants, food-grade components, baby products, automotive ignition boots, and LED/lighting encapsulation.
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 37 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | PA12 (Nylon 12) | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 45–60 | 6–12 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 40–50 | — | MPa |
| elongation | 100–300 | 200–600 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
PA12 (Nylon 12) and Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) 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 Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
PA12 (Nylon 12) and Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA12 (Nylon 12) with Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
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 Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA12 (Nylon 12) is a Polymers grade, while Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) 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.