Belgian chemical group Solvay (Brussels; www.solvay.com) launched “Amodel Supreme PPA”, a line of high-performance polyphthalamide compounds designed for e-mobility and metal replacement applications that require exceptional thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. The material will initially be offered in six grades divided into standard, structural and electrical products.

Amodel Supreme PPA features a glass transition temperature of 165°C – said by the company to be the PPA industry’s highest – which enables higher mechanical properties compared to traditional polyamide 4T and polyamide 6T-based materials at elevated temperatures. It also provides a greater coefficient of linear thermal expansion match to metals, which eases designing over-moulded components.

The material features improved electrical properties, including volume resistivity and dielectric strength above 150°C. Critical electrical properties are maintained, such as comparative tracking index after exposure to high temperatures over time. The compounds were designed to ensure hydrolytic stability against new EV cooling fluids.

Amodel Supreme PPA offers the stiffness and toughness to replace metal in more traditional structural applications, such as clutch cylinders, shift forks and body in white, said Solvay. It is suited for high-temperature automotive, electric and electronic applications.