PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PA66 (Nylon 66): 100% composition overlap. Very similar materials, likely interchangeable for most applications.
PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PA66 (Nylon 66)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PA46 (Polyamide 46)
Polyamide 46 — highest melting point (295°C) of all commercial polyamides. Short amide spacing gives high crystallinity (70%+), outstanding stiffness retention at elevated temperatures, and excellent fatigue/creep resistance. Higher moisture absorption than PA66 but better hot properties. Trade name: Stanyl (DSM/now Envalior). Used for under-hood automotive (timing chain tensioners, piston guides), EV motor insulation, connectors requiring >150°C continuous service, and SMT-solderable components.
PA66 (Nylon 66)
Polyamide 66 — stiffer and more heat-resistant than PA6. Higher crystallinity gives better creep resistance and ~40°C higher melting point (260°C vs 220°C). Slightly more brittle. More moisture-sensitive at saturation than PA6. Trade names include Ultramid A (BASF), Zytel 101 (DuPont), Tecamid 66 (Ensinger). Dominant in US/UK markets. Used for automotive engine components, electrical connectors, gears, cable ties, and industrial bushings.
| PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 527-1 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetramethylenediamine unit | 45–55% | — | — |
| Adipic Acid unit | 45–55% | 45–55% | OK |
| Hexamethylenediamine unit | — | 45–55% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PA66 (Nylon 66) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 80–100 | 80–90 | MPa |
| Elongation | 15–30 | 15–40 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 3000–3300 | 3–3.2 | MPa |
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Yield Strength | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Tensile Modulus | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Charpy Impact (notched) | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Glass Transition Temp | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Water Absorption (saturation) |
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PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PA66 (Nylon 66) have very similar compositions (100% overlap) and are likely interchangeable for most applications. Verify mechanical properties for your specific use case.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PA46 (Polyamide 46) the same as PA66 (Nylon 66)?
PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PA66 (Nylon 66) have a 100% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace PA46 (Polyamide 46) with PA66 (Nylon 66)?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (100%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PA66 (Nylon 66)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA46 (Polyamide 46) is a Polymers grade, while PA66 (Nylon 66) 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.