Abstract
This chapter focuses on aliphatic polyamides, particularly as engineering thermoplastics. General reactions used for the production of polyamides are discussed together with the preparation of the most common intermediates. Aliphatic polyamides are available as two general types, depending on the polymerization route used, the most common representatives of these types being PA66 and PA6. Other widely used polyamides include PA46, PA610, PA612, PA11, PA12, and a variety of copolymers and blends, some including aromatic acids such as terephthalic acid. The importance of H-bonding for increasing not only crystallinity, melting temperature, and resistance to organic chemicals, but also water absorption is explained. Mechanical, thermal, frictional, and electrical property data are provided. Processing methods are considered, including the effect of the relatively low molar mass of these polymers. Additives enable an extremely wide range of PA compounds to be marketed. The importance of polyamides for applications in the automotive and electrical industries is emphasized.
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