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.