Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Polymer Name
- Plastics & Elastomers Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
Applications & Uses
- Applications
- Plastics & Elastomers End Uses
- Plastics & Elastomers Processing Methods
- Potential Applications
Envalior's polyamide-based UD tapes with endless carbon or glass fiber reinforcements are viable, lightweight alternatives to metals in several applications. UD tapes, tape-based 2D fabrics and crossplies are used in structural and semi-structural applications, as well as in the selective reinforcement of injection molded parts.
A demonstration vehicle door panel made by JLR from carbon fiber-reinforced PA410, as well as fabric sheets woven from the same UD tape (EU-sponsored ENLIGHT project). The UD tape products were thermo-formed and glued to make the panel, which is 60% lighter than state- of-the-art, steel-based designs, while still fulfilling safety requirements. The full composite door consists of structural panels and a tape-wound side impact beam over an extruded, permanent mandrel.
Maxion Wheels and Envalior successfully manufactured and tested (Rim Rolling Fatigue) thin-walled hybrid, steelcomposite automotive wheel-rim reinforced with UD tape (tape-winding) made from glass fiber-reinforced PA410. The hybrid wheel-rim is 2Kg lighter and 30% more fatigue-resistant than state-ofthe- art, steel design, whilst inert to road salts and battery acids.
A vehicle central-floor module from carbon fiber-reinforced PA410 made by FCA (EU-sponsored ENLIGHT project). The UD tapes based ply-books were thermoformed to the final shape. The composite part is 18% lighter than state-of-the-art, steel-based designs, while still fulfilling safety requirements. The composite strength and dimensional stability are not affected by the E-coating process, a requirement of BIW parts.
Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Thermal Properties
- Electrical Properties
- Other Properties
- Rheological Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Tensile Modulus | 3200 / 1000 | MPa | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Nominal Strain at Break | 20 / >50 | % | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Yield Stress | 87 / 45 | MPa | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Yield Strain | 4 / 25 | % | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Flexural Modulus | 2850 / 900 | MPa | ISO 178 |
| Flexural Strength | 120 / 35 | MPa | ISO 178 |
| Charpy Impact Strength (+23°C) | N / N | kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eU |
| Charpy Impact Strength (-30°C) | N / N | kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eU |
| Charpy Notched Impact Strength (+23°C) | 8 / 35 | kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eA |
| Charpy Notched Impact Strength (-30°C) | 5 / 5 | kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eA |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Melting Temperature (10°C/min) | 220 / * | °C | ISO 11357-1/-3 |
| Temperature of Deflection Under Load (1.80 MPa) | 60 / * | °C | ISO 75-1/-2 |
| Temperature of Deflection Under Load (0.45 MPa) | 150 / * | °C | ISO 75-1/-2 |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (Parallel) | 0.9 / * | E-4/°C | ISO 11359-1/-2 |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (Normal) | 0.9 / * | E-4/°C | ISO 11359-1/-2 |
| Burning Behaviour (1.5 mm Nominal Thickness) | V-2 / * | class | IEC 60695-11-10 |
| Thickness Tested | 3 / * | mm | IEC 60695-11-10 |
| Thickness Tested | 1.5 / * | mm | IEC 60695-11-10 |
| Burning Behaviour (3.0 mm Nominal Thickness) | V-2 / * | class | IEC 60695-11-10 |
| Oxygen Index | 26 / * | % | ISO 4589-1/-2 |
| Glow Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) | 850 / - | °C | IEC 60695-2-12 |
| GWFI (Thickness (1) tested) | 1.5 / - | mm | IEC 60695-2-12 |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Relative Permittivity (100Hz) | 3.2 / 14 | - | IEC 62631-2-1 |
| Relative Permittivity (1 MHz) | 3 / 4.5 | - | IEC 62631-2-1 |
| Dissipation Factor (100 Hz) | 50 / 3000 | E-4 | IEC 62631-2-1 |
| Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) | 150 / 1200 | E-4 | IEC 62631-2-1 |
| Volume Resistivity | 1E13 / 1E10 | Ohm*m | IEC 62631-3-1 |
| Surface Resistivity | - / 1E14 | Ohm | IEC 62631-3-2 |
| Electric Strength | 25 / 20 | kV/mm | IEC 60243-1 |
| Comparative Tracking Index | * / 600 | V | IEC 60112 |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Water Absorption | 9 / * | % | Sim. to ISO 62 |
| Humidity Absorption | 2.5 / * | % | Sim. to ISO 62 |
| Density | 1130 / - | kg/m³ | ISO 1183 |
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Molding Shrinkage (Parallel) | 1.1 / * | % | ISO 294-4 |
| Molding Shrinkage (Normal) | 1.1 / * | % | ISO 294-4 |
Regulatory & Compliance
- Certifications & Compliance
Technical Details & Test Data
- Chemical Resistance
Chemical Name Resistance Acetaldehyde (40% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Acetamide (50% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Acetamide (50% by mass) at >140°C not resistant Acetic acid (10% by mass) at 100°C not resistant Acetic acid (10% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Acetic acid (95% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Acetone at 23°C resistant Acetophenone at 23°C resistant Acetyl chloride at 23°C not resistant Acetylene at 23°C resistant Acrylic acid at 23°C not resistant Aliphatic amines at 23°C resistant Aliphatic hydrocarbons at 23°C resistant Alkylbenzenes at 23°C resistant Allyl alcohol at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Aluminum acetate (saturated) at 23°C resistant Aluminum chloride (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Aluminum hydroxide (saturated) at 23°C resistant Aluminum salts of mineral acids (saturated) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Aluminum trichloride (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Amino acids (saturated) at 23°C resistant Ammonia at 23°C resistant Ammonium chloride (35% by mass) at 100°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Ammonium chloride (35% by mass) at 23°C resistant Ammonium salts of mineral acids (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Ammonium salts of mineral acids (10% by mass) at 50°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Ammonium thiocyanate (saturated) at 23°C resistant Amyl acetate at 100°C not resistant Amyl acetate at 23°C resistant Amyl alcohol at 23°C resistant Aniline at 23°C not resistant Anodizing liquid (HNO3/H2SO4) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Antimony trichoride (saturated) at 23°C not resistant Aqua Regia (HCl/HNO3) at 23°C not resistant Aromatic hydrocarbons at 23°C resistant Bariumsalts of mineral acids at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Benzaldehyde at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Benzene at 23°C resistant Benzene at 80°C resistant Benzoic acid (20% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Benzoic acid (saturated) at 23°C not resistant Benzyl alcohol at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Beverages at 23°C resistant Bleaching agent (NaOCl) at 23°C not resistant Boric acid (10% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Boron trifluoride at 23°C not resistant Brake fluids (DOT 3/4) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Bromine water (saturated) at 23°C not resistant Bromochlorodifluoromethane at 23°C resistant Bromotrifluoromethane at 23°C resistant Butadiene at 23°C resistant Butane at 23°C resistant Butanediols at 23°C resistant Butanediols at >140°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Butanols at 23°C resistant Butene glycol at 23°C resistant Butene glycol at >160°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Butene-1 at 23°C resistant Butter at 23°C resistant Butyl acetate at 23°C resistant Butyl acrylate at 23°C resistant Butyl glycolate at 23°C resistant Butyl phthalate at 23°C resistant Butyric acid (20% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Butyrolactone at 23°C resistant Butyrolactone at >90°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Calcium chloride (10% by mass) at 100°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Calcium chloride (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Calcium chloride (alcoholic) (20% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Calcium chloride (saturated) at 100°C not resistant Calcium chloride (saturated) at 23°C resistant Calcium chloride (saturated) at 60°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Calcium hydroxide (saturated) at 23°C resistant Calcium hypochloride (saturated) at 23°C not resistant Camphor (alcoholic) (50% by mass) at 23°C resistant Caprolactam (50% by mass) at 23°C resistant Caprolactam (50% by mass) at >150°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Carbon disulfide at 23°C resistant Carbon disulfide at 60°C not resistant Carbon tetrachloride at 23°C resistant Casein at 23°C resistant Chloral hydrate at 23°C not resistant Chloramines (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Chlorinated biphenyls at 80°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Chlorine water at 23°C not resistant Chloroacetic acid (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Chlorobenzene at 23°C resistant Chlorobenzene at 50°C resistant Chlorobromomethane at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Chlorodifluoroethane at 23°C resistant Chlorodifluoromethane at 23°C resistant Chlorofluoroethylene at 23°C resistant Chloroform at 23°C not resistant Chlorosulfonic acid (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Chromic acid (1% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Chromic acid (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Chromyl chloride at 23°C not resistant cis-2-butene at 23°C resistant Citric acid (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Citric acid (20% by mass) at 80°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Cobalt salt (20% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Copper sulfate (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Copper(II) salt (10% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Cresols at 23°C not resistant Cycloalcohols (incl their esters) at 23°C resistant Cycloalkanes at 23°C resistant Cycloalkanones at 23°C resistant Cyclohexanol at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Decalin at 23°C resistant Developer (photografic) at 23°C resistant Dibutyl phthalate at 23°C resistant Dibutyl phthalate at 60°C resistant Dichlorobenzene at 23°C resistant Dichloroethane at 23°C resistant Dichloroethylene at 23°C resistant Dichlorofluoromethane at 23°C resistant Dichlorotetrafluoroethane at 23°C resistant Diethyl ether at 23°C resistant Diethylene glycol at 23°C resistant Diethylene glycol at >140°C not resistant Difluoromethane at 23°C resistant Dimethyl acetamide at 23°C resistant Dimethyl acetamide at >150°C not resistant Dimethyl ether at 23°C resistant Dimethylamine at 23°C resistant Dimethylformamide at 23°C resistant Dimethylformamide at 90°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Dimethylsilane at 23°C resistant Dimethylsulfoxide at 125°C not resistant Dimethylsulfoxide at 23°C resistant Dioctyl phtalate at 23°C resistant Dioxan at 23°C resistant Dioxan at 60°C resistant Diphenyl ether at 80°C resistant Dipropyl ether at 23°C resistant Edible fats waxes and oils at 100°C resistant Electroplating bath (acidic) at 23°C not resistant Electroplating bath (alkali) at 23°C resistant Ethane at 23°C resistant Ethanol at 23°C resistant Ethyl Acetate at 23°C resistant Ethyl chloride at 23°C resistant Ethylene at 23°C resistant Ethylene carbonate at 100°C not resistant Ethylene carbonate at 50°C resistant Ethylene chlorohydrin at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Ethylene glycol at 100°C not resistant Ethylene glycol at 23°C resistant Ethylene oxide at 23°C resistant Ethylene oxide at >80°C not resistant Ethylenediamine at 23°C resistant Fatty acids at 23°C resistant Fatty alcohols at 23°C resistant Ferric chloride (2,5% by mass) at 100°C not resistant Ferric chloride (2,5% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Fixer (photografic) at 23°C resistant Fluorinated hydrocarbons at 70°C resistant Fluorine at 23°C not resistant Formaldehyde (30% by mass) at 23°C resistant Formamide at 23°C resistant Formamide at >150°C not resistant Formic acid (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Formic acid (10% by mass) at 50°C not resistant Fruit juices at 23°C resistant Fuel; Diesel at 85°C resistant Fuel; FAM 1A at 23°C resistant Fuel; FAM 2A at 23°C resistant Fuel; Gasoline at 85°C resistant Furfural at 23°C resistant Furfuryl alcohol at 23°C resistant Glycerol at 170°C not resistant Glycerol at 23°C resistant Glycolic acid (30% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Glycols at 23°C resistant Grease (based on ester oils) at <100°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Grease (based on metal soaps) at <100°C resistant Grease (based on polyphenylester) at <100°C resistant Hardening oils at 23°C resistant Heating oils at 23°C resistant Heptane at 23°C resistant Hexachlorobenzene at 80°C resistant Hexachloroethane at 23°C resistant Hexafluoroisopropanol at 23°C not resistant Hexane at 23°C resistant Hydraulic fluids at 100°C resistant Hydrobromic acid (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrochloric acid (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrochloric acid (20% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrochloric acid (conc.% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrofluoric acid (40% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrofluoric acid (5% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrogen at 23°C resistant Hydrogen peroxide (0.5% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Hydrogen peroxide (1% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrogen peroxide (3% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrogen peroxide (30% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Hydrogen sulfide (10% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Hydroiodic acid at 23°C not resistant Hydroquinone (5% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Impregnating oils at 23°C resistant Ink at 23°C resistant Iodine (alcoholic) at 23°C not resistant Iron(III)chloride (acidic) (10% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Iron(III)chloride (neutral) (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Iron(III)chloride (saturated) at 23°C not resistant Iron(III)thiocyanate (10% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Isocyanates (aromatic) at 23°C resistant Isooctane at 80°C resistant Isopropanol at 23°C resistant Isopropanol at 60°C resistant Ketones (aliphatic) at 23°C resistant Lactic acid at 10°C resistant Lactic acid at 90°C not resistant Lead acetate (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Linseed oil at 23°C resistant Lithium bromide (10% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Lithium chloride (20% by mass) at 23°C not resistant Lithium hydroxide (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Lithium hydroxide (10% by mass) at 80°C not resistant Lubricating oil (gear) at <130°C resistant Lubricating oil (hydraulics) at <130°C resistant Lubricating oil (transformers) at <130°C resistant Magnesium hydroxide (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Magnesium salts (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Maleic acid (25% by mass) at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Maleic acid (saturated) at 23°C resistant Manganese salts (10% by mass) at 23°C resistant Mercury at 23°C resistant Mercury(II)chloride (saturated) at 23°C not resistant Methane at 23°C resistant Methanol at 23°C resistant Methyl acetate at 23°C resistant Methyl chloride at 23°C resistant Methyl ethyl ketone at 23°C resistant Methyl formate at 23°C resistant Methyl glycol at 23°C resistant Methylamine at 23°C resistant Methylaniline at 23°C resistant Methylbromide at 23°C resistant Methylene chloride at 23°C limited resistant, tests necessary to verify
Methylpyrrolidone at 23°C resistant Milk at 23°C resistant n-Butyl ether at 23°C resistant n-Butyl glycol at 23°C resistant Naphtha at 23°C resistant Naphthalene at 23°C resistant Naphthalenesulfonic acids at 23°C not resistant - Machinery for Injection Molding
Akulon® grades can be processed on general injection molding machines.
Screw Geometry
Typically 3-zone screw designs with volumetric compression ratios of approximately 2.5 work fine.
Steel Type
Abrasive resistant tool steels which are normally used for glass and/or mineral reinforced materials are also to be used for Akulon® polymers in tools, nozzles and screws.
Nozzle Temperature Control
The use of an open nozzle with good temperature control and an independently-controlled thermocouple nearby the tip and heater bands with sufficient output is recommended.
Hot Runner Layout
Try to achieve a close contact with your hot runner supplier and Envalior as the material supplier, to be sure that the right hot runner system is chosen.
When processing Akulon® with hot runners, keep in mind these basic rules:- Central bushing heated separately
- Only use external heated system
- Manifold heated from both sides
- Tip with thermocouple in front (near gate)
- Very accurate temperature control in the gate area
- Temperature Settings for Injection Molding
Mold Temperature
Akulon® can be used with a wide range of tool temperatures (50 - 80°C / 122 - 176°F). However, we recommend a low mold temperature for parts with thick walls and a high mold temperature for good dimensional stability, flow properties and surface esthetics.
Furthermore, for impact modified grades (P in the grade coding) a low mold temperature can prevent mold sticking, resulting in a better surface appearance.
Barrel Temperature
Optimal settings are governed by barrel size, residence time and melt viscosity. Be aware that melt viscosity is related to the barrel temperature settings.
Due to the high melting point of Akulon® this temperature should be set high enough to provide a homogeneous melt without getting too near to the degradation temperature of 300°C / 572°F. A flat or rising temperature profile is recommended.
Mold/Tool Measured Melt Nozzle Front Center Rear 50 - 80°C
122 - 176°F240-275°C
464-527°F240-270°C
464-518°F240-260°C
464.-500°F235-250°C
455-482°F230-235°C
446-455°FMelt Temperature
To generate a good and homogeneous melt, the melt temperature should always be above 240°C / 464°F. Optimalmechanical properties will be achieved at melt temperatures between 240-275°C / 464-527°F.
We advise to frequently measure the melt temperature by pouring the melt in a Teflon cup and inserting a thermo probe into the melt.
Hot Runner Temperature
A hot runner temperature set to the same level as the nozzle temperature should work fine and not lead to excessive overheat of the Akulon® grade. When starting up, an increased tip temperature may be necessary to overcome a frozen nozzle.- General Processing Settings for Injection Molding
Screw Rotation Speed
To realize a good and homogeneous melt, it is advised to set a screw rotation speed resulting in a plasticizing time that is just within the cooling time.
The rotational speed of the screw should not exceed 6500 / D RPM (where D is the screw diameter in mm).
Back Pressure
Back pressure should be between 30-100 bars effective. Keep it low in order to prevent nozzle-drooling, excessive shear heating and long plasticizing times.
Decompression
In order to prevent nozzle drool after plasticizing and retracting the nozzle from the mold, a short decompression stroke can be used. However, to prevent oxidation of the melt, which may result in surface defects on the parts, it is recommended to keep this as short as possible.
Injection Speed
Moderate to high injection speeds are required in order to prevent premature crystallization in the mold during injection phase and to obtain a better surface finish. Adequate mold venting is required to avoid burning at the end of the flow path (due to diesel effect).
Injection Pressure
The real injection pressure is the result of the flowability of the material (crystallization rate, flow length, wall thickness, filling speed). The set injection pressure should be high enough to maintain the set injection speed (use set injection pressure higher than the peak pressure if possible). Tooling air vents must be effective to allow optimum filling pressure and prevent burn marks.
Holding Time
Effective holding time is determined by part thickness and gate size. Holding time should be maintained until a constant product weight is achieved.
Holding Pressure
The most adequate holding pressure is the level whereby no sinkmarks or flash are visible. A too high holding pressure can lead to stresses in the part.
Cooling Time
Actual cooling time will depend on part geometry and dimensional quality requirements as well as the tool design (gate size).- Melt Residence Time For Injection Molding
The optimal Melt Residence Time (MRT) for Akulon® K223-P2 is ≤ 4 minutes with preferably at least 50% of the maximal shot volume used. The MRT should not exceed 6 minutes.
A formula to estimate the MRT is described below:
𝑀𝑅𝑇 = (∏D³ρ/m) * (t/60)
Whereas:
MRT = Melt Residence Time [minutes]
D = Screw Diameter [cm]
p = Melt Density [g/cm³]
m = Shot Weight [g]
t = Cycle Time [s]
Please note: In the calculation above, the hotrunner volume has not been taken into account. When a hotrunner is part of the setup, please add the hotrunner volume to the calculation.- Startup/Shutdown/Cleaning for Injection Molding
Production has to be started and stopped with a clean machine. Cleaning can be done with Akulon® Care K1U, applicable cleaning agents or HDPE. Hot runners can also be cleaned and put out of production cleaning them with Akulon® Care K1U.
- Production Breaks for Injection Molding
During production breaks longer than a few minutes, we advise emptying the barrel. The temperature of the barrel and the hot runner [if applicable) should be reduced to a level far enough below the melting point of the compound in order to stop decomposition of the compound.
When the hot runner, nozzle, or even the screw is blocked, be aware that under these conditions a sudden outburst of molten material can take place. Always wear personal safety protections for hand/eye/body.- Envalior's Automotive Weight Loss Factory
Extreme light weighting of automobiles is the most efficient technology for reducing emissions and enhancing mileage. The Envalior Weight Loss Factory utilizes unidirectional, continuous fiber-reinforced, thermoplastic tapes as the fundamental building block of such light weight composite materials.
Our strategy extends well beyond just manufacturing the composite tapes. We also develop and specify processes such as Automatic Tape Placement (ATP), tape winding and tape-insert over-molding. and the necessary computer aided engineering (CAE) for part design and manufacturing process specifications. Envalior is active in the industry in specifying and standardizing composite material testing and quality specifications.UD tape processes
UD tape manfucaturing process
- Tape winding of parts with rotational symmetry (cylinders, tubes, box-beams etc.).
- Automatic Tape Laying (ATL) (panels, sheets, etc.)
- ATL panels are thermoformed to net shape
- ATL panels are over-molded with structural features (ribs, etc.).
- Hybrid metal-composite construction (composite patches glued to metal).
Technology and support
Design and CAE
- FEM analyzes (static & high-strain)
- Thermoforming and over-molding simulation
- UD tape winding and simulation
- Mold flow analyzes (injection-molding)
In-house macro & micro structural analysis of UD tapes
- Material-modeling and micro-mechanics
- Micro CT scans (void content, fiber-filament orientation, fiber-matrix adhesion, etc.)
- SEM micrography
- Tensile, flexural and impact testing.
Bonding
- Composite to plastic
- Composite to metal (with and without adhesives).
- Stress - Strain (Cond.)
- Stress - Strain (Isochronous) 100°C (Dry)
- Viscosity - Shear Rate
- Dynamic Shear Modulus (G) - Temperature (Dry)
- Stress - Strain (Dry)
- Creep Modulus - Time 23°C (Cond.)
- Stress - Strain (Isochronous) 23°C (Cond.)
- Stress - Strain (Isochronous) 23°C (Dry)
- Shear Stress - Shear Rate
- Specific Volume - Temperature (pvT)
- Creep Modulus - Time 23°C (Dry)
- Secant Modulus - Strain (Cond.)
- Secant Modulus - Strain (Dry)
- Stress - Strain (Isochronous) 60°C (Dry)
Safety & Health
- Safety
For the safety properties of the material, we refer to our SDS which can be ordered at our sales offices. During practical operation we advise to wear personal safety protections for hand/eye/body.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging
Akulon® grades are supplied in airtight, moisture- proof packaging.
Storage & Handling
- Material Handling for Injection Molding
Storage
In order to prevent moisture pick up and contamination, supplied packaging should be kept closed and undamaged. For the same reason, partial bags should be sealed before re-storage.
Allow the material that has been stored elsewhere to adapt to the temperature in the processing room while keeping the bag closed.
Moisture Content as Delivered
Akulon® grades are packaged at a moisture level ≤ 0.15 w%.
Conditioning before molding
To prevent moisture condensing on granules, bring cold granules up to ambient temperature in the molding shop while keeping the packaging closed.
Moisture Content Before Molding
Akulon® is delivered at molding moisture specification (≤ 0.15 w%). We advise to pre-dry to overcome the fluctuation from package to package (see drying section below). Furthermore, pre-drying is required in case the material is exposed to moisture before molding (prolonged storage or open/damaged packaging). Moisture content can be checked by water evaporation methods or manometric methods (ISO 15512).
Drying
Akulon® grades are hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air relatively quickly. Moisture absorption is fully reversible under the following drying conditions without compromising material quality. Preferred driers are dehumidified driers with dew points maintained between -30 and -40°C / -22 and -40°F. Vacuum driers with N2, purge can also be used. Hot air ovens or hopper driers are not suitable for pre-drying Akulon® grades; the use of such driers may result in non-optimum performance.Moisture Content Time Temperature [%] [h] [°c] [°F] 0.1-0.2
and as delivered2-4 80 176 0.2-0.5 4-8 80 176 Drier types that are not de-humidified can be operated until 100°C but care has to be taken with natural/light colors for which a color change might be observed upon drying depending on time/temperature exposure.
Regrind
Regrind can be used taking into account that this regrind must be clean/low dust content/not thermally degraded/dry, of same composition and similar particle size as the original material. The acceptable level of regrind depends on the application requirements (e.g. UL Yellow Card). Be aware that regrind can cause some small color deviations.