“Chemlon” 813 CI and 830 GHI fibre-reinforced compounds, based on PA 6 / 12, have been introduced by the nylon division of US custom compounder Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island; www.teknorapex.com). The company said the new materials provide comparable performance in fuel-line components that traditionally are an application for PA 12.

Jeff Schmidt, automotive market manager at Teknor Apex, said the injection moulding compounds provide the chemical resistance and low moisture absorption required in fuel line components, while gaining only slightly more moisture than PA 12. He added that the compounds are already in commercial use for one such application.

Teknor Apex said the 13% loading of carbon fibre in “Chemlon” 813 CI provides antistatic conductivity often required in fuel line components. “Chemlon” 830 GHI has a 30% loading of glass fibre for enhanced strength and rigidity in applications such as connectors.