The first semi-finished product made with Ultramid Advanced N

Basf has now developed Ultramid Advanced N5H UN, a PPA that can be manufactured into semi-finished parts by extrusion. The plastics company Gehr (Germany) is using the new PPA to produce extruded stock shapes with a diameter of 50 millimeters. Ultramid Advanced N offers excellent mechanics at elevated temperatures due to its semi-aromatic chemical structure. It shows excellent resistance to chemicals and hydrolysis, even in aggressive environments, as well as good sliding friction properties - and all this at temperatures above 100°C. Due to its low water uptake its mechanical properties remain stable over a wide temperature range. Even in humid environments, the long-chain high-performance material shows a dimensional stability that belongs to the highest of all polyamides.

This property profile makes Ultramid Advanced N the perfect material for extruding pre-fabricated components and small assemblies but also for many applications in the automotive industry, in mechanical engineering and in kitchen appliances. During machining, the behavior of the semi-finished products lies between a polyamide and a polyoxymethylene copolymer, with steady and consistent chip formation and removal. Ultramid Advanced N5H closes a gap in the market between semi-finished parts made of polyetheretherketones and polyarylsulfones on the one hand and semi-finished products made from engineering plastics on the other hand. In comparison to the latter it can be used at continuous operating temperatures well above 120°C. The Basf material is also suitable for profiles other than rods.