PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PBT (unfilled): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PBT (unfilled)
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.
PBT (unfilled)
Polybutylene Terephthalate — semi-crystalline polyester with fast crystallization (short cycle times), very low moisture absorption (0.15%), excellent dimensional stability, and good electrical properties. Key advantage over PA: properties nearly independent of humidity. Trade names include Ultradur (BASF), Celanex/Crastin (Celanese/DuPont), Valox (SABIC), Arnite T (DSM). Used for electrical connectors, relay housings, automotive sensors, and any precision part in humid environments.
| PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PBT (unfilled) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 527-1 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PBT (unfilled) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetramethylenediamine unit | 45–55% | — | — |
| Adipic Acid unit | 45–55% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polybutylene Terephthalate) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PBT (unfilled) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 80–100 | 50–65 | MPa |
| Elongation | 15–30 | 50–100 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 3000–3300 | 2.3–2.8 | 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 | |||
| HDT/A (1.8 MPa) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PBT (unfilled) 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 PA46 (Polyamide 46) the same as PBT (unfilled)?
PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PBT (unfilled) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA46 (Polyamide 46) with PBT (unfilled)?
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 PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PBT (unfilled)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA46 (Polyamide 46) is a Polymers grade, while PBT (unfilled) 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.