Impact-modified polyamide Examid PA6 HI

Description

Examid® PA6 HI is an injection-molding grade of polyamide 6 with impact modification (HI — High Impact). This is achieved by introducing an elastomeric modifier (typically EPDM-g-MA or functionalized EPR/SEBS) into the PA6 matrix, creating a two-phase morphology with a dispersed elastomeric phase of 0.5–2 µm. The result is a 3–10-fold increase in impact strength vs standard PA6 without significant loss of heat resistance or oil resistance.

It is positioned as a material for parts under critical impact and dynamic loads — where standard PA6 (Promyde® B33L) is not impact-resistant enough and GF-reinforced grades are too brittle. It is particularly strong in low-temperature applications: at −30 °C it retains 50–60 % of its 23 °C impact strength, whereas unmodified PA6 loses up to 80–90 % of its impact strength in this range.

Typical parameters: density ~1.07–1.10 g/cm³ (lower than standard PA6 due to the elastomeric phase), notched Charpy impact strength 12–18 kJ/m² at 23 °C and 6–10 kJ/m² at −30 °C (ISO 179-1eA), yield strength 35–45 MPa (~30 % lower than standard PA6), tensile modulus 1.4–1.7 GPa (~30 % lower than standard PA6), elongation at break >100 %, Tm 220 °C, HDT/A ~55–65 °C (ISO 75-2, 1.8 MPa), continuous service temperature up to 80 °C. UL 94 HB (standard grade) — a separate V-0 version is required for FR applications.

Key advantages

• Impact strength 3–10 times higher than standard PA6 — the part does not fail under impacts, drops or cyclic loads with peaks
• Retention of impact strength at low temperatures (down to −30…−40 °C) — suitable for arctic and winter applications
• Flexibility and elasticity — parts withstand significant deformation without cracking; ideal for latches, side-release buckles and snap-fit joints
• Retains the heat resistance of PA6 (Tm 220 °C, service temperature 80 °C) — no loss of high-temperature performance vs conventional elastomers
• Resistance to oils, gasoline, diesel fuel and dilute alkalis (typical of PA6)
• Stable properties in repeated processing (up to 30 % regrind without significant degradation of the elastomeric phase)
• Good melt flow for molding complex snap-fit parts and thin-walled housings

Trade-offs vs standard PA6 (important when selecting)

• Stiffness (modulus) is ~30 % lower — for rigid structural parts consider Promyde® B33L or GF-reinforced grades
• Yield strength is ~30 % lower — not for parts under sustained static load
• UL 94 HB (standard version) — not for FR-critical electrical applications
• The high water absorption of PA6 remains (~9 % at saturation) — for permanently wet environments see PA610 HI

Applications

• Automotive safety systems: airbag housings & clips, restraint system components, interior crash zones — requiring both impact resistance and property retention at −30 °C
• Snap-fit hardware: side-release buckles for backpacks and gear, lid latches, reusable cable ties
• Fan blades and impellers: domestic ventilation, axial fans, medium-duty pump impellers — impact from ingested foreign objects
• Electrical connectors and housings: industrial connectors with mechanical load on the housing, housings with flexible latches
• Sports equipment and gear: ski equipment bindings (not the boots themselves — PA12 is used for those), skateboard components, protective guards
• Industrial hardware: tool handles, protective covers for mobile equipment, housings with impact-resistance requirements
• Household appliances: moving parts of washing machines and dishwashers (with latches and hinges), handles and switches

Global equivalents: BASF Ultramid® B3ZG3 / B3K, Lanxess Durethan® BKV 30 H2.0 / BC 30, DOMO Domamid® 27HI, Toray Amilan® TY-500NHI, Radici Radipol® HSB. Examid® PA6 HI is the MW offering for series-production parts under critical impact loads at moderate and low temperatures.

The stated values are measured by in-house methods close to the corresponding ISO and GOST standards. This information is provided for reference only and is not an official batch data sheet. Before industrial use, please request the TDS and MSDS for the specific batch.