PBT GF30 vs PA6 GF30: Both GF30 engineering plastics — PBT wins on moisture, PA6 on strength
PBT GF30 vs PA6 GF30
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PBT GF30
Polybutylene Terephthalate with 30% glass fiber — THE connector and electrical component material. Key advantage over PA6 GF30: near-zero moisture absorption (0.02-0.2%), so mechanical and electrical properties are stable regardless of humidity. Lower UTS than PA6 GF30 but consistent. Trade names include Ultradur B4300 G6 (BASF), Valox 420 (SABIC), Celanex (Celanese), Crastin (DuPont). Used for electrical connectors, relay housings, coil formers, automotive sensors, and any part requiring dimensional stability in humid environments.
PA6 GF30
Polyamide 6 with 30% short glass fiber reinforcement — the industry standard for metal replacement in structural injection-molded parts. UTS doubles vs unfilled PA6 (175 vs 80 MPa), stiffness triples (E-Mod 9.5 vs 3.0 GPa), and HDT jumps to 200°C+. The classic materialref.com differentiation case: Ultramid B3WG6 (BASF) = Zytel 73G30 (DuPont) = Durethan BKV 30 (LANXESS) = Akulon K224-G6 (DSM) = Grilon BG-30 (EMS) = Technyl C216 V30 (Domo) — all the same base material. Used for automotive brackets, engine covers, power tool housings, electrical connectors, and structural inserts.
| PBT GF30 | PA6 GF30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | PBT GF30 | PA6 GF30 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 145–165 | 170–185 | MPa |
| elongation | 2–3 | 3–4 | % |
| e_modulus | 9.5–11 | 8.5–10 | GPa |
Compatibility Assessment
PA6 GF30 is stronger dry (UTS 180 vs 155 MPa) but loses ~20% in humid conditions. PBT GF30 absorbs almost no water (0.05 vs 1.5%) so properties are constant. PBT has better electrical stability and dimensional precision. Choose PA6 GF30 for max dry strength; PBT GF30 for connectors and humid environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PBT GF30 the same as PA6 GF30?
PBT GF30 and PA6 GF30 have a 60% composition overlap. Both GF30 engineering plastics — PBT wins on moisture, PA6 on strength
Can I replace PBT GF30 with PA6 GF30?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (60% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PBT GF30 and PA6 GF30?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PBT GF30 is a Polymers grade, while PA6 GF30 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.