Celanese Zytel® FN718 PA66
Flexible Heat-Stabilized Polyamide Resin
Plasticizer-Free Modified Resin for Superior Long-Term Performance
Executive Summary
Celanese Zytel® FN718 is a highly specialized, flexible, and heat-stabilized Polyamide 66 (PA66) resin available in pellet form. Unlike many flexible polymers that rely on plasticizers, this material is a plasticizer-free modified resin, ensuring superior long-term performance and dimensional stability.
Its defining characteristics include exceptional toughness, high elongation, excellent impact resistance, balanced with good heat aging and chemical resistance. The material is engineered for applications demanding elasticity and durability over a prolonged service life.
Key Advantages
- Plasticizer-free formulation
- Exceptional toughness and flexibility
- Superior heat aging resistance
- High impact resistance
- Long-term dimensional stability
Comprehensive Material Properties
Physical & Rheological Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.04 | g/cc |
| Melting Temperature | 263 | °C |
| Humidity Absorption | 1.4 | % (80 mil) |
Key Insight
The density of 1.04 g/cc is considerably lower than standard PA66 (1.14 g/cc), indicating this is not a reinforced grade but a modified, flexible formulation.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Condition | Value | Unit | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Modulus | Dry | 900 | MPa | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Tensile Modulus | Conditioned | 440 | MPa | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Stress at 50% Strain | Dry | 33 | MPa | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Stress at 50% Strain | Conditioned | 21 | MPa | ISO 527-1/-2 |
| Strain at Break | Dry/Conditioned | 125-150 | % | ISO 527 |
| Flexural Modulus | Dry | 900 | MPa | ISO 178 |
| Charpy Impact Strength | Dry, 23°C | 105 | kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eA |
| Charpy Impact Strength | Dry, -40°C | 30 | kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eA |
Critical Design Note: Engineers must base calculations on "conditioned" data as moisture acts as an internal plasticizer, significantly reducing modulus by over 50% from dry to conditioned state.
Thermal & Thermomechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 263°C | - |
| HDT @ 1.8 MPa | 50°C | - |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa | 68°C | - |
| Flammability | FMVSS Class B | <80 mm/min @ 1mm |
Heat Stabilization
While heat stabilized for thermal aging resistance, the low HDT values reflect the material's flexible nature - not suitable for high-temperature structural load-bearing applications.
Processing Guidelines & Best Practices
Injection Molding
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Temperature | 80 | °C |
| Drying Time | 2-4 | hours |
| Max Moisture Content | ≤0.2 | % |
| Melt Temperature (Optimum) | 285 | °C |
| Melt Temperature (Range) | 275-295 | °C |
| Mold Temperature (Optimum) | 60 | °C |
| Mold Temperature (Range) | 40-80 | °C |
Profile Extrusion
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Temperature | 80 | °C |
| Drying Time | 4-6 | hours |
| Max Moisture Content | ≤0.06 | % |
| Melt Temperature (Range) | 275-290 | °C |
Critical: Pre-Drying Requirements
Strict moisture control is essential to prevent hydrolysis during processing. Hydrolysis breaks down polymer chains, severely reducing mechanical properties including tensile strength, ductility, and toughness. Always use dehumidified dryers and maintain specified moisture limits.
Applications & Performance
Automotive Sector
-
Flexible Seals & Gaskets
Under-hood applications requiring heat and chemical resistance
-
Wiring Connectors
Flexible yet durable electrical connections
-
Suspension Bushings
Superior to traditional elastomers for longevity
-
Fluid Containers
Mineral oil, antifreeze, brake fluid storage
Industrial Sector
-
Flexible Tubing
Chemical resistant and durable piping systems
-
Protective Housings
High impact resistance for equipment protection
-
Coupling Elements
Vibration dampening and flexible connections
-
Specialized Components
Where elasticity and chemical resistance are critical
Why Choose Zytel® FN718 Over Traditional Elastomers?
No Plasticizer Migration
Permanent properties that won't degrade over time
Superior Heat Aging
Excellent resistance to thermal degradation
Exceptional Toughness
125-150% strain at break with high impact resistance
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Product Standards
Corporate Quality Systems
Safety & Handling Guidelines
Processing Safety
- Molten polymer can cause severe thermal burns
- Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent fume accumulation
- Use appropriate PPE when handling hot material
- Store away from ignition sources
Material Handling
- Biologically inert under ambient conditions
- Clean up spilled pellets immediately to prevent slipping
- Store in protective packaging to prevent moisture
- Follow Operation Clean Sweep guidelines
The Definitive Choice for Flexible PA66 Applications
Celanese Zytel® FN718 represents a breakthrough in polymer engineering - a material that achieves exceptional flexibility and toughness without compromising long-term performance. Its plasticizer-free formulation ensures permanent properties that won't degrade over time, making it the definitive choice for engineers requiring a robust, elastic alternative to traditional elastomers.
Advanced Engineering
Plasticizer-free molecular modification
Long-Term Reliability
Superior heat aging and chemical resistance
Process Versatility
Injection molding and profile extrusion
Critical Success Factor: Proper pre-drying and moisture control during processing are essential to achieve the material's full performance potential and prevent hydrolysis-induced property loss.