DuPont boosts high-temperature nylon capacity in U.S.

DuPont Performance Polymers (Wilmington, DE) increased production of fast-growing Zytel HTN PPA high-performance polyamide resins manufactured at its Richmond, VA, facility by 10 percent to meet growing global market demand in automotive and consumer electronics markets.  Richmond, which uses a continuous polymerization process, is the largest Zytel HTN production facility in DuPont. DuPont did not disclose expansion details, but did say this to be the first in a series of global expansion plans.

"Zytel HTN PPA fills a valuable need because it bridges the performance gap between nylon and more expensive specialty polymers while maintaining ease of processing," said Brian Fish, DuPont Performance Polymers global business manager, high performance polyamides. "This allows component designers to replace more metal for lighter weight components or to replace other materials to deliver lower overall system costs."

Zytel HTN PPA is often used by the automotive industry to make engine cooling components, such as thermostat housings and water pumps, and to make powertrain components, such as charged air coolers, transmission housings, engine oil systems, brake systems, ignition systems and motors. In electrical and electronics markets, Zytel HTN PPA often is used to make lead-free SMT (surface mount technology) and conventional connectors, high voltage insulators and structural components for hand-held devices.

"Demand is growing in the automotive industry because Zytel HTN PPA can stand up to long-term exposure in aggressive temperature and chemical environments that stretch the performance capabilities of standard nylon 66," said Fish.  "In the electronics and hand-held device market, Zytel HTN is a go-to resin because of its performance, dimensional stability and its ability to withstand lead-free soldering environments."