A collaboration between Radici Group’s (Bergamo / Italy; www.radicigroup.com) Performance Materials business and Röchling’s (Mannheim / Germany; www.roechling.com) Automotive unit has resulted in the development of a new blow-moulding-grade PA capable of withstanding continuous exposure to air temperatures of up to 230 °C. The high heat resistance opens up new opportunities for metal replacement, the companies said, adding that the grade – a member of Radici’s “Radilon” family – fills a gap in the current market offering.

The development of the speciality PA is part of the two companies’ collaboration on turbo air pipes for a key automotive player. A copolymer with a semi-aromatic component, the grade can be combined with other additives that help slow down the oxidation process. It bestows the resulting material with very high heat resistance properties, while ensuring high melt strength and good blow-mouldability, Radici said.

Other characteristics include a 15% weight reduction potential, reduced energy consumption during the converting process thanks to lower process and mould temperatures, as well as a better impact resistance than PPS. In addition, the copolymer is said to require less expensive moulds thanks to the lower abrasion of polyamide compared to PPS.