Comprehensive technical data on nylon/PA material properties — thermal, mechanical, chemical resistance, electrical, and comparison tables across grades.
Overview of Nylon Material Properties
Nylon (polyamide) materials occupy a unique position in engineering thermoplastics: they offer the highest combination of strength, toughness, and wear resistance among non-reinforced plastics, while remaining processable on standard injection molding and extrusion equipment. This technical reference compiles the key properties that engineers, designers, and procurement specialists need when evaluating nylon for specific applications.
All data in this reference applies to conditioned material (23°C, 50% RH) unless otherwise noted. Moisture content significantly affects mechanical properties — dry-as-molded values can be 20-40% higher than conditioned values for unfilled nylon.
Mechanical Properties by Nylon Grade
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 80 | 82 | 90 | 55 | 170 | 185 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elongation at Break (%) | 150 | 60 | 45 | 200 | 3 | 3 |
| Tensile Modulus (GPa) | 2.8 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 9.0 | 10.0 |
| Flexural Strength (MPa) | 100 | 110 | 130 | 75 | 240 | 270 |
| Flexural Modulus (GPa) | 2.6 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unnotched Izod (J/m) | No break | No break | 450 | No break | 600 | 700 |
Key Observations:
– PA6 has higher elongation (more ductile) but PA66 has higher strength
– Glass fiber reinforcement (GF30 = 30% glass fiber) increases strength 2-2.5× but dramatically reduces ductility
– PA46 outperforms all standard nylons in both strength and thermal resistance, at higher cost
– PA12 is the softest and most flexible — lowest strength but best impact resistance at low temperatures
Thermal Properties
Thermal performance is often the deciding factor in grade selection:
| Melting Point (°C) | 225 | 265 | 295 | 180 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Transition Temp (°C) | 50-60 | 65-70 | 75 | 40-45 | 50-60 |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa (°C) | 170 | 250 | 285 | 145 | 215 |
| HDT @ 1.82 MPa (°C) | 65 | 90 | 160 | 55 | 195 |
| Continuous Service Temp (°C) | 100-115 | 130-150 | 170-180 | 80-95 | 140-160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Heat (J/g·K) | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
HDT Notes:
– Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) measures temperature at which a specimen deflects 0.25mm under specified load
– Glass fiber reinforcement dramatically improves HDT — GF30 grades achieve 2-3× the HDT of unfilled grades at 1.82 MPa
– PA66-GF30 at 1.82 MPa: 250°C — suitable for under-hood automotive applications
– PA12’s low HDT limits use to room-temperature applications
Moisture Absorption and Environmental Effects
Nylon’s moisture absorption is a critical consideration — more so than almost any other engineering plastic:
| PA6 | 1.6% | 9.5% | 2.5-3.0% |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA66 | 1.2% | 8.5% | 2.5% |
| PA46 | 1.2% | 6.5% | 2.0% |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA11 | 0.4% | 2.0% | 0.8% |
Impact of Moisture on Properties:
– Tensile strength decreases 15-25% at saturated condition vs. dry-as-molded
– Impact resistance INCREASES with moisture absorption (nylon becomes tougher when conditioned)
– Dimensional change: PA6 swells approximately 0.4% per 1% moisture absorbed — must be accounted for in precision parts
– Electrical insulation properties degrade significantly with moisture (dielectric constant increases 2×)
Design Recommendations:
– PA12 for parts exposed to humid environments or water immersion
– Dry-as-molded properties for designing dimensional tolerances in molds
– Condition parts to equilibrium before measuring critical dimensions
Chemical Resistance of Nylon
Nylon’s chemical resistance profile determines suitability for industrial environments:
Good Resistance (no significant attack at 23°C):
– Aliphatic hydrocarbons (gasoline, mineral oils, diesel)
– Alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol)
– Esters and ketones (acetone, MEK — limited exposure)
– Weak acids (acetic acid, citric acid — verify case-by-case)
– Dilute alkalis and salts
Poor Resistance (attack or degradation):
– Concentrated mineral acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3) — rapid hydrolysis
– Strong oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide >10%)
– Phenol and formic acid — dissolves nylon
– Calcium chloride (desiccant) — causes stress cracking
– Strong alkalis at elevated temperature
Specialty Grades for Chemical Service:
– PA12 for automotive fuel lines — resistant to aromatic fuels and alcohol blends
– PA6I/6T (transparent nylon) for chemical contact applications requiring clarity
– Glass-filled grades for chemical pump housings and valve components
Electrical and Flammability Properties
Electrical Properties (at 50% RH conditioning):
| Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) | 20 | 20 | 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity (Ω·cm) | 10^15 | 10^15 | 10^14 |
| Surface Resistivity (Ω) | 10^13 | 10^13 | 10^12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
Flammability Ratings:
| Grade | UL94 Rating | Oxygen Index (%) |
|---|---|---|
| PA6 | HB | 24 |
| PA66 | HB | 24 |
| PA12 | HB | 22 |
|---|---|---|
| FR grades | V-0 | 32+ |
Nylon burns with a self-sustaining flame and drips. For electrical enclosures or components requiring flame retardancy, specify FR (flame retardant) grades — typically PA66 with halogen or phosphorus-based flame retardants.
FAQ
How do you know whether Nylon Material Properties: A Complete Technical Reference fits a part?
Nylon Material Properties: A Complete Technical Reference fits a part when its load capacity, temperature range, moisture exposure, wear behavior, and processing method match the real service conditions.
What properties should be checked for Nylon Material Properties: A Complete Technical Reference?
Check strength, stiffness, impact resistance, heat resistance, moisture absorption, dimensional stability, friction, wear, and chemical compatibility.
What is the biggest selection risk for Nylon Material Properties: A Complete Technical Reference?
The biggest risk is choosing from a datasheet value without considering actual environment, processing method, part geometry, and long-term use.
When should Nylon Material Properties: A Complete Technical Reference be tested before production?
Testing is recommended when the part faces load, heat, chemicals, moisture, tight tolerances, regulatory requirements, or a new operating environment.
Related Reading
- Nylon Material Properties: A Complete Technical Reference
- Nylon (PA) Material Selection Guide for Injection Molding
- PA6 Material: Complete Guide to Nylon 6 Properties, Processing, and Applications
At a Glance
| Decision Point | Practical Takeaway | Buyer Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical strength | Tough and fatigue resistant | Confirm the grade in its real conditioned state |
| Thermal behavior | Grade-dependent | Use service temperature, not peak short-term values, for procurement |
| Moisture response | Meaningful dimensional shift | Conditioning changes fit and should be part of the spec |
| Best use | Engineering parts and selection baselines | Start with environment, load and tolerance target |
Why Choose Nylon Plastic
Nylon Plastic can support nylon material selection, datasheet review and production planning when buyers need an engineering answer instead of a generic material summary.
