PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PVC-U (Rigid PVC): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA12 (Nylon 12) vs PVC-U (Rigid PVC)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PA12 (Nylon 12)
Polyamide 12 — the long-chain polyamide with the lowest moisture absorption of all PA grades (0.1-0.15% vs PA6: 1.5%). Excellent dimensional stability in humid environments. Best chemical resistance among polyamides (oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids). Lowest density of all PA (1.01 g/cm³). Also the dominant 3D printing (SLS/MJF) material. Trade names include Rilsamid (Arkema), Grilamid L (EMS), TECAMID 12 (Ensinger), Vestamid L (Evonik). Used for fuel lines, brake lines, pneumatic tubing, cable sheathing, and 3D-printed functional parts.
PVC-U (Rigid PVC)
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride — the second-most produced plastic globally. Hard, rigid, self-extinguishing (LOI 45%), excellent chemical resistance to acids/bases/salts, and very low cost. Key limitation: max service temp only 60°C. Developed in 1930s Germany. Used for water/sewage pipes, window profiles, electrical conduit, cladding, and chemical tanks/fittings. NOT the flexible PVC used in cables — that is PVC-P (plasticized).
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | PVC-U (Rigid PVC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | PA12 (Nylon 12) | PVC-U (Rigid PVC) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 45–60 | 48–55 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 40–50 | 48–55 | MPa |
| elongation | 100–300 | 30–50 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
PA12 (Nylon 12) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PA12 (Nylon 12) the same as PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
PA12 (Nylon 12) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA12 (Nylon 12) with PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PA12 (Nylon 12) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA12 (Nylon 12) is a Polymers grade, while PVC-U (Rigid PVC) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.