PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PPA (Polyphthalamide): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PA46 (Polyamide 46) vs PPA (Polyphthalamide)
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.
PPA (Polyphthalamide)
Polyphthalamide — semi-aromatic high-performance polyamide. 55%+ aromatic diacid (TPA/IPA) gives Tg ~125°C and Tm >310°C — far above PA66 (Tg 50°C, Tm 260°C). Much lower moisture absorption than aliphatic PAs. SMT-reflow compatible (260°C+). Trade names: Amodel (Solvay/Syensqo), Zytel HTN (Celanese), Ultramid T (BASF), Grivory HT (EMS). Used for automotive powertrain (thermostat housings, charge air coolers), SMT connectors, LED headlamp housings, and metal-replacement applications to 280°C.
| PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PPA (Polyphthalamide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 527-1 | ISO 527-1 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PPA (Polyphthalamide) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetramethylenediamine unit | 45–55% | — | — |
| Adipic Acid unit | 45–55% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Semi-Aromatic Polyphthalamide) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PA46 (Polyamide 46) | PPA (Polyphthalamide) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 80–100 | 80–95 | MPa |
| Elongation | 15–30 | 10–30 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 3000–3300 | 2400–3000 | MPa |
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| hdt_1.8mpa |
Sign up free and get 3 full comparisons immediately.
Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PPA (Polyphthalamide) 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 PPA (Polyphthalamide)?
PA46 (Polyamide 46) and PPA (Polyphthalamide) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PA46 (Polyamide 46) with PPA (Polyphthalamide)?
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 PPA (Polyphthalamide)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PA46 (Polyamide 46) is a Polymers grade, while PPA (Polyphthalamide) is a Polymers grade.
View full data for each material:
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.