A PA 6/12 extrusion compound for automotive cable jackets has been introduced by the polyamide division of US custom compounder Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island; www.teknorapex.com). The company said the material provides chemical resistance, withstands high service temperatures, and exhibits good dimensional stability as a result of low moisture absorption.

The chemical resistance of “Chemlon” 890 HNT001 PA 6/12 is claimed to be superior to that of PA 6 and exhibits greater stress corrosion resistance on exposure to aggressive chemicals or mechanical stresses. The compound is heat stabilised to prevent embrittlement at high service temperatures and is lubricated to facilitate feeding into the extruder.

Teknor Apex said the compound has received approvals from General Motors and Chrysler for heat stabilised polyamide 6/12. It is currently used in brake jacketing for a North American OEM, and the jacket has passed the cable supplier’s heat ageing test at 135 °C for 168 hours.