No contradiction: VESTAMID® HTplus both bio-based and high-performing

Polyphthalamide (PPA) is known for its outstanding performance at high temperatures and excellent mechanical properties. Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries is now extending its range of VESTAMID® HTplus polyphthalamides to include a product group combining two special properties. Half of the raw materials on which the VESTAMID® HTplus M3000 line is based are renewable; moreover, the products offer improved processability and better dimensional and hydrolytic stability compared to conventional PPA molding compounds.

The VESTAMID® HTplus M3000 products are based on PA10T copoly¬amides. PA10T is a polycondensation product of 1,10-decamethylenediamine (10) and terephthalic acid (T); 1,10-decamethylenediamine is obtained from castor oil, so the PPA polymer is based up to 50 percent on renewable raw materials.

By contrast, well-known and commercially available polyphthalamides are based on petroleum-based PA6T chemistry. The new generation of PA10T polymers differs markedly from these in that they have a wider processing window, which simplifies handling. Moreover, VESTAMID® HTplus M3000 materials absorb much less water, which results in better dimensional stability and improved hydrolytic stability.

High-grade biological alternatives and favorable CO2 balance
Demand for bio-based materials has increased significantly over the last few years due to ever-rising prices for petrochemical raw materials and because of customer concerns about sustainable conservation of resources. The CO2 balance is one further plus point, being more favorable—if we consider the entire lifetime of the product—for VESTAMID® HTplus M3000 products than for exclusively petroleum-based polyamides. The product group therefore makes a significant contribution toward conserving fossil raw materials and reducing the greenhouse effect.

The entire VESTAMID® HTplus range includes injection-molding compounds for metal substitution and fire-proofing applications, granulates for filament production, and VESTAMID® HTplus R products, specially modified molding compounds that can be bonded to various rubbers without the need for adhesion promoters.