Polyphthalamide (PPA)
PPA is a high heat resistant semi-aromatic polyamide. As a member of the nylon family it is a semi-crystalline material composed from a diacid and a diamine. With its heat resistant and low moisture absorption properties, PPA is ideal for use in a chemical environment or temperature extreme conditions. Common applications include automotive motor bobbin parts, fuel line connectors and coolant pumps as well as bushings and bearing pads in aircraft engines. PPA is also used for pump wear rings in the oil & Gas and energy industries.
- History
- Properties
- Applications
- Processes
- Recycling
- Faq
History
Properties
As a specific type of aromatic polyamide, polyphthalamides have many advantages over traditional polyamide nylons. These include improved chemical and high temperature resistance, and low moisture absorbance. PPA is also stiff and creep resistant.
Applications
With outstanding electrical properties, PPA is commonly used in the electrical and automotive industries as:
- connectors
- switches
- and for electrical insulation
Other PPA applications include:
- motor insulators
- water heater manifolds
- valve bodies for showers,
- fuel modules
- fuel cut-off valves
- thermostat housings
- air coolers
Processes
PPA consists of terephthalic acid or isophthalic acid (or a combination of the two) which comprise at least 55 molar percent of the dicarboxylic acid portion of the repeating structural units in the polymer chain.
Recycling
Meeting another key driver in the industry, PPA is fully recyclable, either mechanically or as feedstock. Energy from waste can be recovered at incineration plants.
The most appropriate recovery options depend on numerous conditions. These include local legislation, plastics part design, access to sorting facilities and regional logistics and recycling costs.
