Skip to content

PPA (Polyphthalamide)

PolymersHigh Performance
Compare with…Export PDF

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.

Chemical composition comparison (wt%)

Side-by-side: PPA (Polyphthalamide) (COMPOSITION) (ISO 16396) vs ASTM

ElementPPA (Polyphthalamide) (COMPOSITION)ASTMOverlap
Base Polymer (Semi-Aromatic Polyphthalamide)99–99.9%——

Mechanical properties

Unfilled Dry

PropertyValueUnit
Tensile Strength80–95MPa
Elongation10–30%
Elastic Modulus2400–3000MPa
Density1.17–1.2g/cm3
Melting Point305–320°C

Gf33 Dry

PropertyValueUnit
Tensile Strength195–230MPa
Elastic Modulus12000–15000MPa
hdt_1.8mpa280–300°C

Related materials

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber)

Elastomers

Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber — THE outdoor/weather elastomer. Saturated backbone gives outstanding ozone, UV, and weathering resistance. Excellent resistance to steam, hot water, and polar solvents. NOT resistant to oils/fuels (opposite of NBR). Good electrical insulation. ρ 0.85-1.3 (lightest common rubber). Used for automotive door/window seals, roofing membranes, radiator hoses, HVAC gaskets, and pond liners.

Epoxy/Carbon Fiber (CFRP)

High Performance

Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy — the benchmark structural composite material. Unidirectional ply: tensile strength 1500–2000 MPa, modulus 120–150 GPa at density 1.55 g/cm³ (5x stronger than steel at 1/5 the weight). Quasi-isotropic layup: UTS ~600 MPa, E ~50 GPa. Autoclave-cured prepreg (aerospace) or infusion/RTM (industrial). Used in aerospace primary structures (fuselage, wings), Formula 1 chassis, bicycle frames, wind turbine blades, pressure vessels (Type IV) and high-end sporting goods. Fiber types: T300, T700, T800, M40J, M55J.

FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton)

Elastomers

Fluoroelastomer — THE high-temperature and chemical-resistant rubber. Outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, acids, and solvents at temperatures up to 200°C (short-term 230°C). Fluorine content (64-70%) determines chemical resistance. Trade names: Viton (Chemours), Tecnoflon (Solvay), Dai-El (Daikin). 5-10x more expensive than NBR. Used for aerospace fuel seals, chemical process seals, automotive fuel injector O-rings, semiconductor processing, and any seal exposed to aggressive chemicals at high temperature.

More High Performance materials →

Not sure which material fits?

🤖 Ask AI Advisor →

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.