German compounding specialist Bada (Bühl; www.bada.de) has expanded its portfolio of high-temperature polyamides by new grades in the “Badamid” series of materials. The “Badamid PPA-HT” product group is intended for applications with high operating temperatures. Heat distortion temperatures of almost 300 °C, high stiffness and low water absorption are advertised to be the main properties of these products, which are mainly offered in fibre-reinforced form. The company offers fill levels of up to 60%.

The “Badamid PPA-GP” products show a similar property profile. Compared to Badamid PPA-HT, however, heat resistance is somewhat lower and water absorption somewhat higher. According to the company, Badamid PPA-GP materials can thus be processed at mould temperatures below 100 °C, providing some advantages: oil-tempered moulds become unnecessary and cycle times are accelerated in comparison to the high-temperature product range.

“Badamid PPA-HPX” has a similar mechanical and thermal profile to PA 6.6 grades, but shows consistent properties across the product life cycle due to its lower water absorption. The formula allows processing conditions similar to those for PA 6.6, with mould temperatures of up to 100 °C and components with good surface quality.

Bada produces compounds of engineering and high-performance thermoplastics as well as TPE in the range of 40,000 t/y. In addition to the Bühl site, the company operates another compounding plant in Huesca / Spain.