PP GF30 vs PA6 GF30: Both GF30 — PP GF30 is much cheaper but much weaker
PP GF30 vs PA6 GF30
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PP GF30
Polypropylene with 30% short glass fiber — a cost-effective alternative to PA GF30 for applications up to ~130°C. Much cheaper base resin (PP vs PA), zero moisture sensitivity, and excellent chemical resistance. Lower strength than PA6 GF30 (UTS 80 vs 175 MPa) but sufficient for many structural parts. Trade names include Celstran PP-GF30 (Celanese), Tepex (LANXESS), Stamax (SABIC). Used for automotive front-end carriers, battery trays, HVAC components, and household appliance frames.
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.
| PP GF30 | PA6 GF30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | PP GF30 | PA6 GF30 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 70–90 | 170–185 | MPa |
| elongation | 3–5 | 3–4 | % |
| e_modulus | 5.5–7.5 | 8.5–10 | GPa |
Compatibility Assessment
PA6 GF30 has 2x UTS (175 vs 80 MPa) and higher HDT (200 vs 150°C). PP GF30 costs ~40% less, has zero moisture sensitivity, and is lighter (ρ 1.13 vs 1.36). Choose PP GF30 for non-structural automotive (HVAC, battery trays); PA6 GF30 for structural metal replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PP GF30 the same as PA6 GF30?
PP GF30 and PA6 GF30 have a 35% composition overlap. Both GF30 — PP GF30 is much cheaper but much weaker
Can I replace PP GF30 with PA6 GF30?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (35% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PP GF30 and PA6 GF30?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PP GF30 is a Polymers grade, while PA6 GF30 is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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.