Engineering Materials

PA410 - EcoPaXX®

EcoPaXX is a high-performance aliphatic, biobased polyamide that uniquely balances the benefits of typical short and long chain polyamides, such as low moisture uptake and high mechanical performance. EcoPaXX has wide applicability and is especially popular as a PA66 performance booster since it can be processed in the same tools.

 
  • 30% lower moisture uptake than PA66 with higher mechanical performance
  • Excellent surface finish
  • 72% bio-based

 

Explore EcoPaXX®

EcoPaXX is DSM’s most established biobased engineering plastic. It combines DSM’s propriety C4 technology with the power of nature’s C10 building block derived from castor plants, which do not compete with the food chain. The combination of the short C4 block and the long C10 block gives EcoPaXX high mechanical properties of typical short chain polyamides, but combines these with lower moisture update and higher chemical resistance more typical of long chain polyamides. EcoPaXX can easily be processed in PA66 tools while resulting in better surface quality. This makes it an ideal candidate for when performance, aesthetics and sustainability come together. 

EcoPaXX® portfolio highlights

EcoPaXX® in automotive

EcoPaXX combines excellent thermal and mechanical properties with low moisture uptake and high chemical resistance. This makes it especially suitable for automotive applications that require good mechanical performance after conditioning, water/glycol ageing and road salt exposure. 

Read more

EcoPaXX® in water management

To meet customer needs for safe drinking water applications using lead-free technologies, EcoPaXX has specialized grades certified for warm and hot water applications. 

Read more

                                                                                                   

EcoPaXX® in consumer goods & electronics

EcoPaXX is available in V0-V2 halogen-free flame-retardant grades. Due to its low moisture uptake, it shows higher dielectric strength than other short chain polyamides; it allows for thinner wall design at the same performance levels. 

Read more                                                        

EcoPaXX® in food contact

EcoPaXX food contact approved grades show lower cyclic oligomer extraction levels than PA6 or PA66 and offer safe and sustainable solutions for the food contact industry. 

Read more                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Properties

Tensile properties after moisture uptake

The graphs below show comparative data of thermal properties, moisture uptake and dry vs. conditioned tensile modulus for different unfilled polymers. EcoPaXX's combination of short C4 chain and long C10 chain results in a unique balance of high crystallinity/stiffness combined with low moisture uptake and high chemical resistance. Specifically, EcoPaXX PA410 has 30% lower moisture uptake than PA66 while exhibiting similar glass transition (70°C) and melt temperature (250°C). As a result, EcoPaXX has the highest conditioned modulus (1,7GPa) among aliphatic polyamides.

Water/Glycol ageing

The graphs below show absolute values as well as the percentage retention of tensile properties of EcoPaXX vs. PA66 for 30%GF grades after 1,000 hours exposure to 50/50 water/glycol mixture at 135°C. EcoPaXX has ca. 20% higher retention of tensile properties compared to PA66 grade. This results in a five-fold increase in weldline performance (tested on tensile bars) as well as a three-fold increase in product lifetime (tested on automotive expansion tank, design dependent). Therefore, it is possible to design parts with lower thickness and hence weight compared to PA66 while maintaining similar or higher performance.

Salt resistance

The graph to the right shows data for mechanical environmental stress cracking tests under the influence of a calcium chloride solution to mimic road salt resistance. A 3mm thick notched tensile bar is subjected to a force of 10N/mm at 75°C in saturated CaCl2 solution until failure. The data shows that EcoPaXX is extremely resistant to CaCl2 salt with no mechanical failure even after 2,500 hours being submerged in the solution, especially when compared to ca. 5 hours for PA66.

Processing

EcoPaXX can be processed very similarly to PA66.  It has a very wide processing window (270-310°C) and high melt stability. Its faster crystallization rate vs. PA66 results up to 20% lower cycle times. Detailed processing guidelines for specific EcoPaXX grades are available on our plasticsfinder.

At the same time, EcoPaXX has excellent surface finish even with 30%GF content, making it suitable for decorative applications, such as engine covers.

Carbon Footprint

EcoPaXX carbon footprint is assessed cradle-to-gate, using DSM‘s in-house lifecycle assessment experts. The graph below shows the carbon footprint of EcoPaXX compared to other common polyamides. EcoPaXX has the lowest carbon footprint amongst common polyamides, including biobased polyamides. The Carbon footprint can be lowered further if biomass balancing is used for the C4 monomer. This is an option available for certain grades upon customer request. Mass balancing does not change material properties and is externally certified through ISCC.

Our team can assist with calculations for specific EcoPaXX grades, and we also work with our customers on cradle-to-grave assessments for specific end applications.

High dielectric strength and V0-V2 flame retardancy

EcoPaXX has several grades that are engineered to meet V2 and V0 flammability and high glow-wire temperatures. All EcoPaXX grades are halogen-free and hence do not release associated toxic compounds upon burning. Dielectric strength data measured according to IEC 60243-1 standard is shown for different unfilled polymers. Samples were measured before and after conditioning at 95% relative humidity at 40°C for 120 hours. Spherical electrodes of 20mm were used with a voltage increase of 500V/s.

The data shows that EcoPaXX has similar dielectric strength as PA66 in the dry state, but significantly higher dielectric strength after conditioning. This makes EcoPaXX more insulating, resulting in higher safety for electrical applications. It also means insulating parts with EcoPaXX can be designed thinner than with PA66 without sacrificing product safety.

Hydrolysis resistance

EcoPaXX has specialized food contact and drinking water grades, which are approved by all major institutions (e.g. KTW, W270, NSF61, WRAS, ACS, EU 11/2011, FDA). EcoPaXX is approved for both warm and hot water applications. Data below is shown for the percentage of water uptake of 50%GF filled grades at 50% and 100% relative humidity. Due to its low moisture uptake and high mechanical strength, EcoPaXX shows excellent hydrolysis resistance with no water leakage in lifetime cycle tests up to 1 Million cycles. EcoPaXX drinking water grades have higher Tg of ca. 85°C and show superior long-term hydrolysis resistance in hot water ageing (110°C) compared to low Tg PPA.

Most popular EcoPaXX® grades

EcoPaXX® Q-HG6

Add to favourites

Add this page to a list of favourites

You can find this list in your personal menu at the top of the navigation

Remove this from your favourites

Clicking this button again will remove this favourite from your profile in the top menu

30% Glass Reinforced

"EcoPaXX® Q-HG6 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent chemical & hydrolysis resistance for use in thermal management applications as well as other structural parts."

"EcoPaXX® Q-HG6 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent chemical & hydrolysis resistance for use in thermal management applications as well as other structural parts."

"EcoPaXX® Q-HG6 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent chemical & hydrolysis resistance for use in thermal management applications as well as other structural parts."

  • 30% Glass Reinforced
  • Heat Stabilized
  • "Heat stabilized"

EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10

Add to favourites

Add this page to a list of favourites

You can find this list in your personal menu at the top of the navigation

Remove this from your favourites

Clicking this button again will remove this favourite from your profile in the top menu

50% Glass Reinforced

"EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent mechanical & flow performance for use in food contact & drinking water applications"

"EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent mechanical & flow performance for use in food contact & drinking water applications"

"EcoPaXX® Q-DWX10 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent mechanical & flow performance for use in food contact & drinking water applications"

  • 50% Glass Reinforced
  • Excellent Surface Properties
  • Drinking Water Grade
  • Food Contact Quality
  • "Good surface properties"
  • "Drinking Water Contact Grade"

EcoPaXX® Q210E-H

Add to favourites

Add this page to a list of favourites

You can find this list in your personal menu at the top of the navigation

Remove this from your favourites

Clicking this button again will remove this favourite from your profile in the top menu

"EcoPaXX® Q210E-H is a high viscous long aliphatic polyamide which offers excellent wear & friction properties at high humidity for use in gears, food conveyer belt parts and abrasive monofilaments."

"EcoPaXX® Q210E-H is a high viscous long aliphatic polyamide which offers excellent wear & friction properties at high humidity for use in gears, food conveyer belt parts and abrasive monofilaments."

"EcoPaXX® Q210E-H is a high viscous long aliphatic polyamide which offers excellent wear & friction properties at high humidity for use in gears, food conveyer belt parts and abrasive monofilaments."

  • High Viscosity
  • Heat Stabilized
  • Food Contact Quality
  • "Heat stabilized"
  • "High viscosity"

EcoPaXX® Q-KS

Add to favourites

Add this page to a list of favourites

You can find this list in your personal menu at the top of the navigation

Remove this from your favourites

Clicking this button again will remove this favourite from your profile in the top menu

"EcoPaXX® Q-KS is a versatile halogen-free flame-retarded long aliphatic polyamide with UL94 V0 & CTI 600V rating with high flow and ductility. It offers excellent retention of electric properties upon humidity uptake."

"EcoPaXX® Q-KS is a versatile halogen-free flame-retarded long aliphatic polyamide with UL94 V0 & CTI 600V rating with high flow and ductility. It offers excellent retention of electric properties upon humidity uptake."

"EcoPaXX® Q-KS is a versatile halogen-free flame-retarded long aliphatic polyamide with UL94 V0 & CTI 600V rating with high flow and ductility. It offers excellent retention of electric properties upon humidity uptake."

  • Flame Retardant (halogen- phosphorous-free)
  • "Phosphorous free"

EcoPaXX® Q-HXGM24

Add to favourites

Add this page to a list of favourites

You can find this list in your personal menu at the top of the navigation

Remove this from your favourites

Clicking this button again will remove this favourite from your profile in the top menu

10% Glass Reinforced

"EcoPaXX® Q-HXGM24 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent surface esthetics and low warpage with good thermal properties and high flow for use in beauty covers."

"EcoPaXX® Q-HXGM24 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent surface esthetics and low warpage with good thermal properties and high flow for use in beauty covers."

"EcoPaXX® Q-HXGM24 is a long aliphatic polyamide with excellent surface esthetics and low warpage with good thermal properties and high flow for use in beauty covers."

  • 10% Glass Reinforced
  • 20% Mineral Reinforced
  • Heat Stabilized
  • "Heat stabilized"

EcoPaXX® Q-KG6-FC

Add to favourites

Add this page to a list of favourites

You can find this list in your personal menu at the top of the navigation

Remove this from your favourites

Clicking this button again will remove this favourite from your profile in the top menu

30% Glass Reinforced

"EcoPaXX® Q-KG6-FC has excellent processability and surface quality and is safe for use in a broad variety of food contact applications. For detailed statements and information regarding food contact approvals please contact your DSM representative."

"EcoPaXX® Q-KG6-FC has excellent processability and surface quality and is safe for use in a broad variety of food contact applications. For detailed statements and information regarding food contact approvals please contact your DSM representative."

"EcoPaXX® Q-KG6-FC has excellent processability and surface quality and is safe for use in a broad variety of food contact applications. For detailed statements and information regarding food contact approvals please contact your DSM representative."

  • 30% Glass Reinforced
  • Food Contact Quality

    

Featured applications

Coolant expansion tank

Automotive |

Application requirements Withstand under-the-hood temperatures of 105 to 150°C Internal coolant temperatures Withstand exposure to water/glycol Good welding properties Material properties Superior chemical stability and weld-line strength after ageing Excellent for under the bonnet conditions and temperatures

Crankshaft Covers

Automotive | Drivetrain Transmission

Suitable for strict chemical or dimensional stability requirements; Cost effective; Heat resistant; Creep resistant; Oil resistant; Fatigue resistant; Lightweight

Engine Covers (close to turbo charged components)

Automotive | Drivetrain Transmission

Low moisture uptake; High temperature resistance; Low warpage; Sustainable

Faucet system components

Consumer goods |

Application requirements High strength (static pressure > 500psi, bending strength >61Nm) No water leakage during lifetime (cycle test up to 1 million cycles) High crew thread strength Material properties Superior stiffness and toughness Good hydrolysis resistance High dimensional stability All major drinking water approvals

Abrasive brush monofilament

Consumer goods | Appliances

Heat-stabilized; High viscosity; Bio-based (nearly 70% is made from the tropical castor bean plant);Low carbon footprint (CO₂ emitted during production offset by CO₂ absorbed by plant growth);Processed through extrusion or injection molding.

Mountaineering shoes

Consumer goods | Sports & leisure

Heat-stabilized ;High viscosity ;Bio-based (nearly 70% is made from the tropical castor bean plant) ;Enables solutions which are 100% carbon neutral from cradle to cradle ;Delivers comfort and performance in cold temperatures

Window profiles

Building & construction | Window systems

Enables efficient processing ;Bio-based (nearly 70% is made from the tropical castor bean plant) ;Window profiles made with EcoPaXX comply with EN14024

Contact us for more information

Direct and easy access to our broad portfolio of high-performance plastics: request a quote or order a sample. You can also simply ask us a (technical) question. 

×

Engineered for performance while lowering your carbon footprint

EcoPaXX is our most established bio-based plastic. It has been in our portfolio for more than 10 years where it has been successfully used as a PA66 drop in when PA66 reaches its performance limits. EcoPaXX's unique combination of short chain C4, based on DSM’s propriety technology, and long chain C10, derived from castor oil, gives rise to unique property combinations, linking the application field of long chain and short chain aliphatic polyamides. It balances the high crystallinity inherent to C4 polymers with the low moisture uptake and chemical stability more typical of long chain aliphatic polyamides. At the same time, EcoPaXX has an excellent surface finish, making it an ideal candidate for when performance, aesthetics and sustainability come together. Not only is EcoPaXX engineered for performance, it is engineered to lower your carbon footprint too.