Specialty bio-based nylon makes mark in China

Chinese compounder Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co. (Guangzhou) has been supplying polyamide 10T for several years now. Its Vicnyl semi-aromatic resin features better resistance to hydrolysis compared with PA 9T and PA 46 and employs a naturally-derived monomer.

PA 10T is based on decanediamine, a renewable raw material derived from castor beans, and terephthalic acid. The bio-based carbon content in Vicnyl ranges between 40%-60% by weight. The polymer is produced at a 2000-tonnes/yr plant.

Vicnyl PA10T has the lowest water absorption among commercialized semi-aromatic polyamides according to supplier Kingfa.

 “Thermal properties are superior to both PA 46 and PA 9T says Patrick Xu,” sales supervisor for South China. Better tensile strength and flexural modulus retention in hot water is also evident from tests, while dimensional changes are also smaller. Other advantages are said to be low warpage, high melt flow, and smooth surface finish.

According to the supplier, Vicnyl materials are suited for a wide range of applications in the electrical and electronics, automotive, and metal-replacement fields. Two grades are currently available: Vicnyl650 glass-fiber reinforced PA 10T (50% glass fiber content) with heat-deflection temperature under load (HDTUL; ISO 75-2) of 280°C, water absorption (ISO 62) of 0.15% (23°C/24 hours immersion in water), and a Ul 94 HB rating at 0.4-3 mm thickness; and Vicnyl630 with HDTUL of 240°C, water absorption of 0.6% and UL 94 rating of HB. —[email protected]