Adoption of this naturally derived feedstock does not, however, compromise performance: The new PA also falls into the category of a high-performance plastic and is a fitting complement to the supplier’s Technyl and Technyl Star ranges. Melting point of 215°C is similar to that of a PA6, while chemical resistance is comparable to that of PA11 and 12. Very high gas barrier properties are exhibited, while low water absorption is halfway between that of PA6 and PA12. Target applications include fittings and adapters for automobile fuel systems, as well as tubing.
Rhodia is not the first to turn to natural raw materials for its resin offerings. DuPont (Wilmington, DE) uses castor oil in its Zytel RS nylon resins based on PA 6.10 and PA 10.10 chemistries. The resin was employed in the radiator end tank found in some 2009 Toyota Camrys, which recently earned the Most Innovative Use of Plastics award in the Environment Category from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Div. for Toyota and partners Denso and DuPont Automotive. Other suppliers of naturally derived resins include BASF and Merquinsa. —[email protected]
