Things heat up for DSM with launch of ‘next-generation’ high-temperature polyamides

Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, has launched its next generation of Diablo high temperature resistant polyamides at the 2014 Fakuma trade show.

The new grades are part of both DSM’s Stanyl polyamide 46 and Akulon 6/66 portfolios and are aimed at applications in automotive engine compartments where temperatures can reach as high as 260°C.

The company said the technology provides a “significant improvement” in long-term temperature resistance components, such as air intake manifolds with integrated intercoolers, ducts, charge air cooler end caps, mixing tubes and resonators used in the latest car engines.

The latest version of Stanyl Diablo polyamide 46 is able to withstand a continuous use temperature of 230°C, while the new Akulon Diablo withstands a 220°C continuous-use temperature. DSM says both new grades have improved resistance to short-term high temperature peaks as measured by deflection temperature under load (HDT).

New Stanyl Diablo has an improved HDT of 267°C, while the new Akulon Diablo has an HDT of 245°C. The long-term heat ageing and the HDT of the new materials are proof of their superior characteristics compared to competing materials currently on the market, the company told press at Fakuma.

The new grades also have improved resistance to chemicals and gases in EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems. They have very good processing properties and create finished parts with high burst pressure weld-line strength as well as excellent surface finish.