Materials

PPA (Polyphthalamide)

PPA is a relatively new, semi-crystalline material with an excellent cost to performance ratio. PPA bridges the performance gap between nylons/polyesters and higher priced, high temperature materials such as PEI and PEEK. PPA has excellent impact strength and is not notch sensitive. PPA does absorb moisture, and its properties change as a result — though this change is not nearly as great as with 6-6 nylon. Despite its relatively recent introduction, good design data is available for PPA.

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Typical Properties

Tensile Strength9,000-33,000 psi
Flexural Modulus270,000-2,700,000 psi
Impact Strength.6-22 ft-lb/in notched izod
Max Temperature300°-450° F
Chemical ResistanceGood to Excellent

Applications

  • Automotive applications
  • Housing for high temperature electrical connectors
  • Multiple other uses as a replacement to metals

Advantages

  • + Heat resistance
  • + Chemical resistance
  • + Can resist infrared soldering environments
  • + Relatively low moisture absorption
  • + Strength or physical properties

Disadvantages

  • − Not inherently flame retardant
  • − Requires good drying equipment
  • − High processing temperatures
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