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. This change is not nearly as great as 6-6 nylon. Despite its relatively recent introduction, good design data is available for PPA.

Applications: Automotive applications, Housing for high temperature electrical connectors, Multiple other uses as a replacement to metals.

Tensile Strength Flexural Modulus Impact Strength Max Temp. Chemical Resistance
9,000-33,000 psi 270,000 -2,700,000 psi .6-22 ft-lb/in notched izod 300°-450° F Good to Excellent

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

Brand Names: Amodel, Verton, Grivory, Zytel.