Products

Polyamides (PA)

In recent years, the global shift towards sustainability has spurred extensive research and development of biobased materials. Among these, biobased polyamides (nylons) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials. Biobased polyamides are derived from renewable resources such as castor oil, biomass-derived diacids, and biobased diamines. These materials offer similar, if not superior, properties (including durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemical and thermal degradation) while reducing dependency on fossil fuels, making them an attractive option in the pursuit of environmentally friendly alternatives in material science and widely used in various industrial applications, from textiles and automotive components to various consumer goods.

What We Offer

As a leading company specializing in biobased materials, Alfa Chemistry is proud to offer a range of innovative biobased polyamides tailored to diverse industrial needs. Our product line includes:

Product Name	PA610	PA510	PA512	PA1010	PA1012
Catalog	BBC-PA100	BBC-PA101	BBC-PA102	BBC-PA103	BBC-PA104
Melting Point (°C)	208-220	208-216	204-214	195-205	185-195
Tensile Strength (MPa)	≥55	≥55	≥40	≥50	≥45
Elongation at Break (%)	≥100	≥150	≥150	≥200	≥200
Flexural Strength (MPa)	≥55	≥60	≥45	≥45	≥40
Granularity (N/g)	60-90	60-90	60-90	60-90	60-90
Weight Loss After Drying (‰)	≤1.0	≤1.0	≤1.0	≤1.0	≤1.0
Relative Density (g/cm3)	1.06-1.10	1.06-1.08	1.06-1.08	1.03-1.05	1.01-1.03
Charpy Non-notch Impact (KJ/cm2)	25JNB	25JNB	25JNB	25JNB	25JNB
Characteristics	They have good low temperature resistance, dimensional stability, oil resistance, chemical resistance, and good electrical performance.			These biobased materials have the characteristics of low water absorption, excellent electrical insulation, good low temperature resistance, dimensional stability and good processing and forming performance.
Applications	For more details, please consult our technical experts.			They can be used in automobile, instrument, textile, electronic appliance, pressure pipe, sports equipment, medicine and food packaging, water treatment and other fields.

Synthesis Methods for Biobased Polyamides

The synthesis of biobased polyamides primarily involves the polymerization of renewable monomers. The key methods include:

Step-Growth Polymerization: This process involves the reaction between bio-derived diacids (e.g., sebacic acid) and diamines (e.g., 1,5-pentanediamine). These reactions yield long polymer chains, which are then processed into pellets or fibers.
Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP): Used for the production of polyamides like PA11, ROP involves the polymerization of biobased lactams derived from renewable resources. This method ensures high molecular weight and superior mechanical properties in the resulting material.
Direct Polymerization of Monomers: In some cases, biobased monomers are directly polymerized without intermediate steps. For example, using bio-sourced ω-aminocarboxylic acids results in self-condensation, yielding polyamides with precise structural control.
Biotechnological Methods: Advances in biotechnology have enabled the microbial fermentation of renewable feedstocks (e.g., sugar, starch) to produce biobased precursors such as diamines and diacids. These precursors are then polymerized into high-performance biobased polyamides.

Applications of Biobased Polyamides

The versatility of biobased polyamides is evident in their widespread applications across various industries:

Automotive Industry

Lightweight and durable biobased polyamides can reduce vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. Common uses include engine components, fuel lines, and under-the-hood applications.

Textiles and Apparel

Biobased polyamides offer superior strength, flexibility, and moisture management, making them ideal for performance textiles, sportswear, and footwear.

Electronics and Electricals

With excellent thermal stability and dielectric properties, biobased polyamides are used in connectors, cable insulation, and housings for electronic devices.

Medical Devices

The biocompatibility and flexibility of biobased polyamides such as PA11 make them suitable for applications in surgical instruments, tubing, and prosthetics.

Consumer Goods

Biobased polyamides are increasingly used in durable goods like kitchenware, sports equipment, and packaging, offering enhanced sustainability without compromising performance.

3D Printing

The excellent mechanical properties of biobased polyamides make them a popular choice for 3D printing materials, enabling the production of lightweight and high-strength components.

Biobased polyamides represent a pivotal advancement in the transition to sustainable materials. By leveraging renewable resources and innovative synthesis techniques, these materials not only match but often surpass the performance of traditional polyamides. Our diverse product range ensures that industries can adopt biobased polyamides across applications, fostering a greener, more sustainable future. Please contact us directly for any requests.