Self-Extinguishing Extrusion Polyamide Examid PA12 E-V0

Description

Examid® PA12 E-V0 is an extrusion grade of polyamide 12 with a UL 94 V-0 flame-retardant modification (typical halogen-free phosphorus-based FR system, free of bromine and antimony). Designation: E — extrusion grade, V0 — UL 94 V-0.

PA12 is the "lightest" of the engineering polyamides: density 1.01 g/cm³ (1.1–1.3 times lower than PA6/PA66), with water absorption of only ~1.5 % at saturation (6 times lower than PA6, which absorbs ~9 %). This gives a unique combination: dimensional stability in humid environments + hydrolysis resistance in hot water + the best fuel and glycol resistance among polyamides. The PA12 base molecule is synthesized from ω-laurolactam (12 carbon atoms in the chain), which provides high flexibility and a low melting temperature (Tm 178 °C — 40–80 °C below PA6/PA66).

PA12 feedstock can be partially or fully bio-based, depending on the supplier. The original Rilsan® (Arkema) is 100 % bio-based (from castor oil); VESTAMID® (Evonik) is petrochemical-based. Examid® PA12 E-V0 is the MW grade with confirmed V-0 flame retardancy for extrusion applications.

Typical parameters: density 1.01 g/cm³, Tm ≈ 178 °C, HDT/A ~50–55 °C (ISO 75-2, 1.8 MPa), Tg ~50 °C, continuous service temperature ~80–90 °C, water absorption ~1.5 % at saturation (vs PA6 ~9 %), Charpy impact strength retained down to −40 °C without significant loss. UL 94 V-0 at 1.5 mm (IEC 60695-11-10).

Key advantages

• Halogen-free UL 94 V-0 (typically a phosphorus-based FR system) — meets flame-retardancy requirements in electrical engineering, the cable industry and aviation with HF (halogen-free) labeling
• The lowest water absorption among polyamides (~1.5 % vs PA6 ~9 %) — dimensions and mechanical properties remain stable in humid environments, hot water and hydraulic circuits
• The lowest density among engineering polyamides (1.01 g/cm³) — an advantage for weight-sensitive applications (aviation, sports)
• The best resistance among PA to fuels, glycols and hydraulic fluids — the standard material for fuel systems
• UV and weather stabilization — suitable for long-term outdoor service
• Hydrolytic stability in hot water and steam — low degradation even at 100 °C / 1000+ hours
• Impact strength retained down to −40 °C — suitable for arctic and winter applications
• Resistance to ozone, dilute acids and alkalis, aromatic hydrocarbons

Limitations

• Tm 178 °C / HDT/A ~50 °C — not for applications with continuous temperatures above 90 °C; for high-temp use see PA66, PPA, PEEK
• Relatively low stiffness (modulus ~1.4–1.7 GPa) vs PA66 (~2.8 GPa) — consider GF-reinforced grades for structural parts
• Price 1.5–2.5 times higher than PA6 — for a unique property set (density + water resistance + flexibility)
• The FR system raises density by 5–10 % vs unmodified PA12 (typically 1.07–1.10 g/cm³)

Application areas

• Automotive fuel systems: fuel lines, connectors, protective sheathing for gasoline/diesel/E85, reinforced multilayer structures with an EVOH barrier; fasteners, fuel pump housings
• Pneumatic and hydraulic lines: air brake lines for trucks (DIN 74324), compressor lines, medium-pressure hoses
• Cable industry: jacketing of outdoor communication cables and power cables in dry/wet environments, fiber-optic protective tubes, RJ connectors with halogen-free requirements
• Aviation and aerospace: non-structural cabin elements (FAR 25.853), cable jackets for systems with HF requirements, passenger equipment connectors
• Sports equipment: ski boots (the flagship Rilsan application), ski bindings, protective guards, exoskeleton components
• 3D printing (SLS): PA12 is the standard material for selective laser sintering (HP Multi Jet Fusion, EOS PA12) — the V-0 grade opens up functional prototypes with FR requirements
• Electrical hardware: outdoor housings and connectors (solar PV junction box secondary parts, outdoor electric thermostats)

Global equivalents: Arkema Rilsan® AESNO V0 (100 % bio-based from castor oil, the original V-0 PA12), Evonik VESTAMID® L1940 FR, EMS-CHEMIE Grilamid® LV-50H V0, UBE 3030B (Japan). Examid® PA12 E-V0 is the MW grade for halogen-free FR extrusion applications.

The stated values are measured using in-house methods close to the corresponding ISO and GOST standards. The information is provided for reference only and does not constitute an official technical data sheet for a batch. Please request the TDS and MSDS for the specific batch before industrial use.