High-performance polymers for highest demands

The Grilamid product family from EMS-GRIVORY is made up of four sub-groups of long-chain aliphatic polyamides with an average of 12 or more carbon atoms in their basic structure. These four sub-groups are:

Grilamid L (Polyamid 12)
Grilamid 1S (Polyamid 1010)
Grilamid 2S (Polyamid 610)
Grilamid 2D (Polyamid 612 )

Grilamid L Polyamide 12 (PA12) is formed by the polymerisation of laurolactam, a ring-shaped, long-chain monomer with 12 carbon atoms. Laurolactam, often called lactam 12, is obtained in a complex, multiple-step process from the basic raw material butadiene. EMS is backward integrated for lactam 12 and produces it in a joint-venture where EMS holds a two-third majority.

Depending on formulation and viscosity, Grilamid L PA12 can be processed using a range of different methods such as injection-moulding, pipe extrusion, film extrusion or blow-moulding.

Through use of additives, fillers, pigments, plasticisers, modifiers or processing aids, Grilamid products are adjusted precisely to suit customer requirements and specific applications. EMS-GRIVORY offers a very wide range of speciality grades from very flexible to highly rigid in order to always supply the optimal product.

Grilamid L PA12 has a series of exceptional properties such as:

  • very low water absorption and excellent dimensional stability
  • very good resistance to chemicals and weathering
  • excellent hydrolysis resistance
  • lowest density among all polyamides
  • high impact strength down to –40°C
  • wide processing window, problem-free processing

The Grilamid L …”FWA” (food and water contact approved) series was created especially for applications in direct contact with foodstuffs or drinking water. The tailor-made, reinforced and non-reinforced products correspond to international requirements and legislation in this field of application.

Important applications for Grilamid L PA12 are feed lines and connectors for media and compressed air systems in the fields of automotive, industrial goods, sports and leisure, sanitary components (replacement of brass), pneumatic pipes, cables and cable protection, housings for high-quality electronic devices, components for household appliances.

Grilamid 1S polyamide 1010 (PA1010) is created through poly-condensation of decanediamine and sebacic acid.

Both monomers are obtained from a multiple-step chemical process from the renewable bio raw material castor oil. Polyamide 1010 is based to nearly 100 per cent on renewable raw materials. Bio-based products in the Grilamid 1S series are sold by EMS-GRIVORY under the general term GreenLine.

Special features of Grilamid 1S PA1010 are:

  • nearly 100% use of renewable basic raw materials (in relation to the polymer)
  • very low water absorption and excellent dimensional stability
  • good resistance to chemicals and weathering
  • low density
  • wide processing window, problem-free processing
  • a direct bio-alternative to PA12

Important application areas for Grilamid 1S PA1010 are feed lines in automotive and industrial applications, especially lactam-free fuel lines, cable sheathing, sports & leisure and housings for portable electronic devices.

Grilamid 2S polyamide 610 (PA610) is created through poly-condensation of hexamethylene diamine and sebacic acid.

Hexamethylene diamine is obtained from crude oil, while sebacic acid is obtained following a multiple-step chemical process from the renewable bio-raw material castor oil. This means the polyamide 610 polymer is made to 62 per cent of renewable raw materials. Bio-based Grilamid 2S products are sold by EMS-GRIVORY under the general term GreenLine.

Special features of Grilamid 2S PA610 are:

  • use of 62% renewable basic raw materials (in relation to the polymer)
  • low water absorption and good dimensional stability compared to PA6 or PA66
  • good resistance to chemicals and weathering
  • high melting point of 215°C
  • problem-free processing

Due to its high melting point, Grilamid 2S PA610 is especially well suited for pipes, connectors and other under-the-hood automotive applications which are exposed to high temperatures. Further preferred applications are industrial pipes for pneumatic and hydraulic systems as well as sports and leisure.

Grilamid 2D polyamide 612 (PA612) is created through poly-condensation of hexamethylene diamine and dodecanedioic acid.

Special features of Grilamid 2D are:

  • low water absorption and good dimensional stability compared to PA6 or PA66
  • good resistance to chemicals and weathering
  • very good resistance to hydrolysis
  • high melting point of 225°C
  • problem-free processing

Due to its high melting point, Grilamid 2D PA612 is especially well suited for pipes and connectors in automotive applications which are exposed to high temperatures. Preferred applications are feed lines for cooling, heating and climate control systems in cars, compressed air lines of heavy-duty trucks exposed to high temperatures, feed lines for hot diesel fuel and individual layers with high barrier properties in multiple-layer petrol lines.