Multilayer Polyamide Pipe Composition for ZnCl2 Crack Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyamide compositions for tubes and pipes fail to meet the requirements of environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) in ZnCl2 solutions, compromising mechanical properties and leading to delamination, making them unsuitable for applications like air brake tubes and fuel pipes, while long chain polyamides increase cost and availability issues.

Innovation Solution

A polyamide composition comprising a polyamide copolymer made by reacting ε-caprolactam with a diacid having at least 9 carbon atoms in a specific weight ratio, combined with other polyamides, impact modifiers, and additives, forming a multilayer structure with improved adhesion to prevent delamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyamides from monomers with 11 or 12 carbon atoms are used, then resistance to ZnCl2 test is improved, but impact strength at ambient temperature deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to ZnCl2 testVSAvoidimpact strength at ambient temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite polyamide composition comprising PA 66 or PA 6 as the base polymer combined with specific additives (polyester resin, polyolefin resin, and/or elastomer) to achieve both ZnCl2 resistance and acceptable impact strength. This composite approach allows the base polyamide to provide chemical resistance while the added components compensate for the lack of impact strength that would result from using longer-chain polyamides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the compositional parameters of the polyamide system by specifying precise ranges of additives: polyester resin (0.1-10 parts by weight per 100 parts polyamide), polyolefin resin (0.1-10 parts by weight per 100 parts polyamide), and elastomer (0.1-5 parts by weight per 100 parts polyamide). These parameter adjustments enable the material to simultaneously achieve ZnCl2 resistance and maintain impact strength without requiring longer-chain monomers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If polyamides from monomers with 11 or 12 carbon atoms are used, then resistance to ZnCl2 test is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to ZnCl2 testVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the compositional parameters to use common, cost-effective polyamides (PA 66 or PA 6) combined with inexpensive additives in controlled amounts. This parameter adjustment achieves ZnCl2 resistance through formulation rather than through expensive long-chain monomers, thereby maintaining manufacturing cost effectiveness while meeting reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses small amounts of inexpensive resin additives (polyester, polyolefin) and elastomers to modify the properties of the base polyamide. These affordable modifying agents provide the necessary performance enhancement at minimal cost, avoiding the need for expensive specialty polyamides with 11 or 12 carbon atoms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If conventional polyamide compositions are used, then mechanical properties are maintained, but environmental stress cracking resistance in ZnCl2 solution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidenvironmental stress cracking resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite system where the base polyamide (PA 66 or PA 6) provides mechanical strength while the added polyester resin, polyolefin resin, and/or elastomer components provide environmental stress cracking resistance in ZnCl2 solution. This composite formulation allows both mechanical properties and chemical resistance to be optimized simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different functional components in specific quantities to address different performance requirements: the base polyamide provides structural integrity and mechanical properties, while the polyester resin (0.1-10 parts), polyolefin resin (0.1-10 parts), and elastomer (0.1-5 parts) provide localized resistance to environmental stress cracking. Each component performs its specific function in a optimized ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12378410B2Polyamide composition and a tubular or pipe multilayer structure comprising the same
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 BASF SE

AI summary

Described herein is a polyamide composition and a tubular or pipe multilayer structure including the same.