PPA

Polyphthalamide (PPA) is a type of high-performance engineering thermoplastic that was developed by researchers at DuPont in the 1970s. It was initially marketed under the trade name “Zytel HTN” by DuPont.

The development of PPA involved advances in polymer chemistry and the need for materials with high heat resistance, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. PPA is known for its excellent performance at elevated temperatures, good dimensional stability, and resistance to chemicals and moisture. These properties make it suitable for demanding applications in automotive, electrical, and industrial sectors.

While specific names of individual discoverers are not always prominently noted in the case of materials like PPA, it was the result of collective efforts within research and development teams at DuPont and other companies working on advanced polymer technologies during that era.

Pictured above is a 50% glass filled PPA component for the oil and gas industry. With a wall thickness of a whopping 68mm, BPY aren’t afraid of a technical challenge. 

Why choose PPA for your injection moulding project?

  • 1. High Temperature Resistance: PPA can withstand high temperatures, with a melting point typically above 300°C. This makes it suitable for applications that operate under continuous high-temperature conditions.
  • 2. Mechanical Strength: PPA exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and stiffness, which make it ideal for structural and load-bearing components.
  • 3. Chemical Resistance: PPA is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including automotive fluids, oils, greases, and solvents, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications.
  • 4. Dimensional Stability: PPA maintains its dimensional stability under various environmental conditions, including exposure to high temperatures and moisture.
  • 5. Low Moisture Absorption: PPA absorbs less moisture compared to other polyamides, which helps in maintaining its mechanical and dimensional properties in humid environments.
  • 6. Wear and Abrasion Resistance: PPA has excellent wear and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for parts that experience friction and mechanical stress.
  • 7. Creep Resistance: PPA has good creep resistance, meaning it can maintain its shape and mechanical integrity under long-term loads.
  • 8. Flame Retardancy: PPA can be formulated to meet stringent flame retardancy standards, which is important for electrical and electronic applications.
  • 9. Electrical Properties: PPA has good electrical insulating properties, making it a suitable choice for electrical connectors, insulators, and other electronic components.
  • 10. High Flow Characteristics: PPA has good flow properties during the injection molding process, allowing for the production of complex and thin-walled parts with high precision.
  • 11. Low Outgassing: PPA has low levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which is beneficial for applications in sensitive environments such as automotive interiors and electronic housings.
  • 12. Versatility: PPA can be easily modified with fillers, reinforcements, and additives to enhance specific properties such as impact resistance, stiffness, and UV resistance.

These properties make PPA an excellent material choice for a variety of demanding injection moulding applications, including automotive components, electrical and electronic parts, industrial machinery, and consumer goods, where performance, reliability, and durability are essential.

If you have an injection moulding project and are considering using PPA, please get in touch with our technical team on 01280 706335 for a free consultation!