PA66 vs PA612 Low-Temperature Performance Comparison

2026-08-04 
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Neat PA66 suffers severe embrittlement below -25°C and relies heavily on high loading of grafted elastomers to achieve -40°C impact resistance.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Its low-temperature toughness is strongly affected by moisture absorption.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
PA612 belongs to long-carbon-chain polyamides with lower amide group density.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
It features inherently superior low-temperature ductility, much lower water absorption, and milder performance fluctuation under alternating humidity & low temperature. Its ductile-brittle transition temperature is below -50°C.
1.Performance Comparison Table
Test Item PA66 PA612
Ductile-brittle transition temperature (neat resin, dry) -20 ~ -25℃ < -50℃
Saturated water absorption (23℃) 7.5 ~ 8.5 % 3.0 ~ 3.3 %
Low-temperature toughness (unmodified raw material) Poor; brittle fracture easily occurs below -25℃ Good; maintains ductility at -40℃
Toughener dosage for stable -40℃ service 15 ~ 22 wt% POE-g-MAH; obvious loss of modulus & hardness 6 ~ 12 wt% POE-g-MAH; balanced rigidity & low-temperature toughness
Influence of moisture on low-temperature impact Extremely significant: dry state low-temperature impact drops sharply Weak influence; consistent toughness in dry & conditioned state
Low-temperature dimensional stability Poor; prone to shrinkage/deformation under temperature & humidity cycling Excellent; low shrinkage & low warpage
Modulus variation at low temperature Modulus rises sharply; material becomes stiff Moderate modulus increase; less tendency to harden
Heat resistance (HDT, unfilled) Higher (~80–90℃ dry) Moderate (~60–70℃ dry)
Melting point 260~265℃ 215~220℃
Cost level Medium Medium-High
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2.Core Technical AnalysisbowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
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Intrinsic Material DifferencebowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
The higher density of amide bonds in PA66 leads to stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Molecular chains freeze easily under low temperature, resulting in low intrinsic cold resistance.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
PA612 has longer aliphatic segments between amide groups. Molecular chain mobility remains maintained at sub-zero temperatures, delivering natural low-temperature toughness.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Modified Material Scheme for -40°C EnvironmentbowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Toughened PA66bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Can meet -40℃ anti-impact requirement, but needs high dosage of elastomer. Drawbacks: large gap between dry & wet impact performance, high water absorption limits precision parts. Advantage: higher heat deflection temperature.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Toughened PA612bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Lower toughener loading is sufficient to pass -40℃ impact test. Small difference between dry/wet mechanical properties. Ideal for precision components with strict dimensional stability under wide temperature & humidity variation.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Glass-Filled System Key ReminderbowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
For GF-reinforced grades (GF15/GF20/GF30):bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Both materials face toughening difficulty after adding glass fiber.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Under identical toughener formulation, PA612-GF always shows better -40℃ notched impact than PA66-GF.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
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3.Application Selection GuidancebowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
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    Choose toughened PA66:bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Structural parts requiring high heat resistance, limited budget, non-precision components, no long-term high humidity exposure.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
    Choose PA612 (toughened grade):bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
Precision sensors, hydraulic fittings, valve components, outdoor equipment exposed to -40℃ & humidity alternation, parts requiring stable size and consistent low-temperature toughness.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
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4.Short Version (for customer email & quotation)bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
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Unmodified PA66 embritles around -25°C.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
High content of MAH-grafted elastomer is required to realize -40°C impact resistance, and its low-temperature performance varies greatly with moisture content.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
As a long-chain nylon, PA612 owns inherent excellent low-temperature ductility with ductile-brittle transition temperature below -50°C.bowANIXT NYLON China Manufacturer
It absorbs far less water, needs less toughener to satisfy -40°C working conditions, and delivers stable mechanical properties under dry and humid environments.

* The application cases shown may not fully match your target products. Please inform us of your specific requirements, and we will assist you in material selection.

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