BASF: We Create Chemistry

Lightweight and High-Performance PPA Plastics
with Strong Mechanical Properties

From the automotive and the E&E industries to mechanical engineering and consumer goods, Ultramid® Advanced polymers are engineered for high-performance applications. the new Ultramid® Advanced Polyphthalamide (PPA) portfolio by BASF consists of five polymers with about 50 compounds. Widely used as a choice for metal replacement, Ultramid® Advanced polymers are ideal for lightweighting, allowing greater design options at a lower cost compared to parts made from metal.

 

Why Ultramid® Advanced?

Why Ultramid® Advanced?

Ultramid® Advanced molding compounds are available unreinforced or reinforced with minerals, short or long glass fibers, or carbon fiber for special applications. These polyphthalamides are known for their high mechanical strength, stiffness and thermal stability. In addition, Ultramid® Advanced offers good firmness at low temperatures, exhibits favorable sliding friction behavior, and is highly processable These PPA polymers are made to withstand high temperatures while maintaining their strength, including lead-free soldering processes across a variety of industries.




Characteristics and Properties

Ultramid® Advanced PPA materials can be used for many applications because of their customizability and high-performance mechanical and thermal properties. Applications include automotive and mobility, electrical and electronics, construction, furniture, sanitary ware and more. In addition, Ultramid® Advanced can be processed by a variety of methods including extrusion and injection molding.

Available Options

The Ultramid® Advanced portfolio includes grades with the following options:

  • Optimized for injection molding or extrusion for easy and stable processing
  • Available with or without flame-retardants
  • Equipped with a variety of heat stabilizers
  • Available in a range of colors from uncolored to laser-markable black
  • Unreinforced or reinforced with minerals, short glass, long glass, or carbon fiber

Chemical and Mechanical Properties

Characteristics and properties found across all Ultramid® product lines include:

  • Partially aromatic chemical structure: All types offer good to excellent mechanics at elevated temperatures.
  • Hydrophobic properties: These polymers can withstand humidity and contact with challenging media while maintaining
  • Low water uptake: Plastic parts exhibit high dimensional stability in humid environments.
  • Compatibility with lead-free soldering processes: These compounds resist damage and maintain strength when exposed to the high temperatures required for lead-free soldering. This makes Ultramid® Advanced products extremely well-suited for electrical and electronics (E&E) applications.

Ultramid® Advanced Portfolio

Ultramid® Advanced N - PA9T

Ultramid® Advanced N - PA9T

The polyamide 9T (PA9T) Ultramid® Advanced N shows constant mechanics up to 100°C (glass transition temperature: 125°C), outstanding chemical resistance, low water absorption and excellent tribological properties.  Typical applications include:

  • Small connectors and function-integrating housings in white goods, consumer electronics and mobile devices
  • Automotive components and structural parts near the engine and the gearbox
  • Gear wheels and other wear parts
Ultramid® Advanced T1000 - PA6T/6I

Ultramid® Advanced T1000 - PA6T/6I

T1000 polyamide 6T/6I (PA6T/6I) is the product group with the highest strength and stiffness in the Ultramid® Advanced family. T1000 polythalamides exhibit stable mechanical properties at temperatures of up to 125°C (dry) and 80°C (conditioned). They offer high resistance to humidity and to aggressive media – outperforming conventional polyamides and many other PPA materials on the market. Typical applications include:

  • Thermostat housings and water pumps
  • Fuel circuits and selective catalytic reduction systems
  • Actuators and clutch parts in cars
  • Coffee machines
  • Furniture fittings
  • Construction applications such as water distributors, heating systems and pumps
Ultramid® Advanced T2000 - PA6T/66

Ultramid® Advanced T2000 - PA6T/66

Ultramid® Advanced T2000 is the ideal solution for parts that require high, constant stiffness and strength over a broad temperature range, resistance to heat and humidity, and optional flame-retardant (FR) properties. Common applications include:

  • Delicate flame-retardant connectors
  • Structural laptop parts
  • Switches and miniature circuit breakers
  • Water outlet valves and water pumps
  • Fuel system components
  • Actuators and sensors
  • Clutch parts
Ultramid® T KR - PA6T/6

Ultramid® T KR - PA6T/6

Ultramid® T KR was among the first PPAs on the market. This polyamide 6T/6 (PA6T/6) has a high melting point of 295°C and while remaining easy to process. It provides high stiffness and strength, especially in the presence of humidity or high temperatures, and at the same time exhibits the highest toughness of any PPA material. Ultramid® T KR possesses excellent heat resistance: The relative tracking index (RTI) of 160°C at 0.4 mm of Ultramid® T KR4340 G6 is one of the highest RTIs in the polyamide market. Typical applications include:

  • Quick connectors
  • Switchgears or relays
  • Electrical control units
  • Vehicle sensors
Ultramid® One J - PA66/6T

Ultramid® One J - PA66/6T

Ultramid® One J is a high-temperature polyamide that outperforms PA66 in terms of mechanical and dielectric properties, especially in the presence of humidity and elevated temperatures. This polyamide 66/6T (PA66/6T) shows high flowability and easy processing similar to PA66, and its excellent mechanical properties are unaffected by mold temperatures. Ultramid® One J opens up new, colorful possibilities with white color shades for miniaturization parts with electrical protection. The UL cards testify to excellent RTI and GWIT values, and the flame retardant used is halogen-free. Typical applications include:

  • Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs)
  • High-voltage connectors
  • Consumer electronics
  • Electric protection devices
  • E&E applications
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