PA410

The graphs below show comparative data of thermal properties, moisture uptake and dry vs. conditioned tensile modulus for different unfilled polymers. EcoPaXX's combination of short C4 chain and long C10 chain results in a unique balance of high crystallinity/stiffness combined with low moisture uptake and high chemical resistance. Specifically, EcoPaXX PA410 has 30% lower moisture uptake than PA66 while exhibiting similar glass transition (70°C) and melt temperature (250°C). As a result, EcoPaXX has the highest conditioned modulus (1,7GPa) among aliphatic polyamides.

The graphs below show absolute values as well as the percentage retention of tensile properties of EcoPaXX vs. PA66 for 30%GF grades after 1,000 hours exposure to 50/50 water/glycol mixture at 135°C. EcoPaXX has ca. 20% higher retention of tensile properties compared to PA66 grade. This results in a five-fold increase in weldline performance (tested on tensile bars) as well as a three-fold increase in product lifetime (tested on automotive expansion tank, design dependent). Therefore, it is possible to design parts with lower thickness and hence weight compared to PA66 while maintaining similar or higher performance.

The graph to the right shows data for mechanical environmental stress cracking tests under the influence of a calcium chloride solution to mimic road salt resistance. A 3mm thick notched tensile bar is subjected to a force of 10N/mm at 75°C in saturated CaCl2 solution until failure. The data shows that EcoPaXX is extremely resistant to CaCl2 salt with no mechanical failure even after 2,500 hours being submerged in the solution, especially when compared to ca. 5 hours for PA66.

EcoPaXX can be processed very similarly to PA66.  It has a very wide processing window (270-310°C) and high melt stability. Its faster crystallization rate vs. PA66 results up to 20% lower cycle times. Detailed processing guidelines for specific EcoPaXX grades are available on our plasticsfinder.

At the same time, EcoPaXX has excellent surface finish even with 30%GF content, making it suitable for decorative applications, such as engine covers.

EcoPaXX has several grades that are engineered to meet V2 and V0 flammability and high glow-wire temperatures. All EcoPaXX grades are halogen-free and hence do not release associated toxic compounds upon burning. Dielectric strength data measured according to IEC 60243-1 standard is shown for different unfilled polymers. Samples were measured before and after conditioning at 95% relative humidity at 40°C for 120 hours. Spherical electrodes of 20mm were used with a voltage increase of 500V/s.

The data shows that EcoPaXX has similar dielectric strength as PA66 in the dry state, but significantly higher dielectric strength after conditioning. This makes EcoPaXX more insulating, resulting in higher safety for electrical applications. It also means insulating parts with EcoPaXX can be designed thinner than with PA66 without sacrificing product safety.

EcoPaXX has specialized food contact and drinking water grades, which are approved by all major institutions (e.g. KTW, W270, NSF61, WRAS, ACS, EU 11/2011, FDA). EcoPaXX is approved for both warm and hot water applications. Data below is shown for the percentage of water uptake of 50%GF filled grades at 50% and 100% relative humidity. Due to its low moisture uptake and high mechanical strength, EcoPaXX shows excellent hydrolysis resistance with no water leakage in lifetime cycle tests up to 1 Million cycles. EcoPaXX drinking water grades have higher Tg of ca. 85°C and show superior long-term hydrolysis resistance in hot water ageing (110°C) compared to low Tg PPA.

Envalior is dedicated to providing customers with low product carbon footprint (PCF) solutions and continues to work towards further reducing the PCF of its products. Providing information on the PCFs of Envalior products assists our customers in meeting their sustainability goals.

Low carbon footprint

EcoPaXX is a bio-based polyamide PA410 derived from castor oil, recognized for having one of the lowest carbon footprints in comparison to other conventional and bio-based polyamides. The bio-based nature of the C10 monomer allows for measurable carbon content via the 14C method.

Options for further reducing PCF

While EcoPaXX has already a low carbon footprint, the PCF can be further lowered when replacing the fossil feedstocks of the C4 monomer via the bio massbalance (B-MB) approach to come to a fully bio-based PA410.