Polyamide - Nylon 6, 6 Rod - Material Information

Polyamide 6,6 (PA66) is one of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics, known for its combination of strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability. It exhibits high crystallinity, excellent mechanical performance, and chemical resistance, making it an ideal material for precision components such as gears, bearings, fasteners, and structural parts subjected to dynamic loads and elevated temperatures.

Material Overview

PA66 is synthesized through a condensation polymerization of adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure with high tensile strength and stiffness. It has a melting point of around 260 °C and maintains good mechanical integrity up to 150 °C. According to Yang Ning (2004), PA66 reinforced with 7% montmorillonite achieves optimal balance between stiffness and toughness, improving impact resistance by 5.4% compared to pure PA66. Several patents (Huang Yanan, 2017; Zhang Ruixian, 2017) have introduced modified PA66 formulations that greatly enhance wear resistance and processability for automotive and electronic applications. These modifications, often achieved by blending with fillers such as graphite, PTFE, or nanoparticles, significantly improve frictional performance and longevity under high mechanical stress. Furthermore, Zhang Qiang (2013) developed a wear-resistant PA66 composite specifically for automotive connectors, offering higher impact strength and thermal durability while maintaining dimensional stability during injection molding processes.

Applications and Advantages

PA66 rods are extensively employed in engineering and industrial applications where high mechanical load and wear resistance are critical. These include gears, bushings, and bearing housings in automotive and machinery components. The material’s high fatigue resistance and low coefficient of friction enable smooth, long-term operation in dynamic mechanical systems. It also serves as an electrical insulator and structural support in electronics and consumer appliances. Its resistance to oils, lubricants, and alkalis—combined with its machinability—makes it a versatile substitute for metal components in lightweight mechanical systems.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies Polyamide 6,6 (PA66) rods in high-purity research and industrial grades, optimized for mechanical and thermal applications. The rods are available in various diameters and can be machined to custom specifications. Enhanced formulations for improved wear or electrical properties can also be sourced upon request.

Explore Polyamide - Nylon 6,6 and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Yang, N. (2004). Mechanical Properties of Nylon66/MMT and Nylon Alloy Nanocomposites. The Plastics, 38(7), 33–39.
• Zhang, Q. (2013). Wear-resisting nylon PA66 composite material and preparation method thereof. Chinese Patent CN103099974A.
• Huang, Y. (2017). Wear-resistant polyamide (PA66) material. Chinese Patent CN106919532A.
• Zhang, R. (2017). Wear-resisting polyamide (PA66) material. Chinese Patent CN106915233A.
• Luan, R., & Wang, S. (2016). Wear-resistant polyamide (PA66) material. Chinese Patent CN105433908A.