| HS Code | 238139 |
| Material | Polyamide 11 (PA11) |
| Color | Silver |
| Particle Size | D50 approximately 40 µm |
| Apparent Density | 0.60 g/cm³ |
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 186 °C |
| Tensile Strength | 39 MPa |
| Elongation At Break | 250% |
| Shore Hardness | Shore D 70 |
| Abrasion Resistance | Very good / low wear |
| Water Absorption | 0.3% after 24 hours |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to hydrocarbons, alkalis, and many solvents |
As an accredited Arkema Rilsan Fine Powders T SILVER 9103 PA11 factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Arkema Rilsan Fine Powders T SILVER 9103 PA11 supplied in 25 kg multilayer paper bags as a free-flowing silver-grey fine powder. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | 20′ FCL container load of Arkema Rilsan Fine Powders T SILVER 9103 PA11, secured for safe, dry transport. |
| Shipping | Arkema Rilsan Fine Powders T SILVER 9103 PA11 is shipped in sealed, moisture-resistant containers to preserve powder integrity. Transport complies with hazardous material regulations for polymer powders. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or ignition sources. Ensure proper labeling and secure, dry conditions during transit to prevent contamination or static discharge. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keeping the original container tightly sealed. Protect from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. Avoid sources of ignition and incompatible materials. Use within recommended shelf life to prevent agglomeration or degradation. Ensure proper handling to minimize dust accumulation. |
| Shelf Life | Shelf life is typically 2 years from manufacture when stored unopened in a cool, dry place. |
On high-volume automotive metal-coating lines, Rilsan Fine Powders T SILVER 9103 PA11 is deposited electrostatically at 45–60 kV onto zinc-phosphated steel stampings that have been alkaline-degreased at 60 °C and rinsed to conductivity below 30 µS/cm. The substrate surface is preheated to 190–210 °C before powder application; this range keeps the PA11 melt above its onset of 183–186 °C long enough for flow-out while avoiding the discoloration threshold of silver-pigmented flake at higher thermal load. Gun-to-part distance is maintained between 150 mm and 250 mm, with powder output set at 60–120 g/min and fluidizing air at 1.2–2.0 bar. In Faraday cage areas of stamped seat brackets, voltage is reduced to 35–45 kV and gun oscillating speed is increased to avoid powder bridging in recesses. Coating thickness is held at 120–180 µm; when localized build exceeds 200 µm, reverse-impact flexibility measured by ASTM D2794 falls below OEM acceptance limits, and edge cracking appears after seat assembly torque cycling. Post-fusion is carried out in a convection oven at 195–205 °C for 3–4 min, followed by ambient cooling on line. Adhesion is checked by ISO 2409 cross-cut, with class 0–1 required; interlayer contamination from stamping oils above 2 mg/m² is a known cause of class 2–3 failure. Terminal components include seat track brackets, recliner springs, and belt guide plates where the silver PA11 layer serves as both anti-corrosion barrier and anti-squeak separation layer. Published powder-size distribution data for T SILVER 9103 is limited; fine-powder Rilsan grades for electrostatic application typically have a median particle size between 60 µm and 100 µm.
Preheating the steel wire rack assembly to 300–320 °C shifts the resident heat available for powder fusion because the PA11 melt requires surface temperature above 186 °C at the moment of immersion. Racks are dip-coated in a fluidized bed with a freeboard height of 300–400 mm, and the dip time is controlled between 5 s and 8 s; shorter residence leaves sharp wire intersections below 250 µm, while longer residence produces sag at lower rails and bridging between rack tines. The fluidizing air is dried to a dew point below -40 °C, and powder moisture is kept below 0.15%; at relative humidity above 60%, the powder hopper must be conditioned at 30–35 °C for 4–6 h before use. After withdrawal, residual heat and a post-fusion tunnel at 220–240 °C for 3–5 min complete coalescence, yielding a continuous film of 250–450 µm. Overheating the racks above 330 °C initiates local degradation, visible as brown oxidation spots under the silver top layer, and lowers adhesion to the iron-phosphate substrate. In service, dishwasher rack coatings are exposed to alkaline detergents at pH 10–12 and 65–75 °C water; coating integrity is evaluated after 500 in-house dishwasher cycles using ISO 2409 adhesion checks. Terminal products include dishrack baskets, cutlery holders, and rack tines for both domestic and commercial dishwashers. Published data for T SILVER 9103 specifically in this exact cycle test is limited; the cycle count is derived from commercial dishwasher rack validation protocols.
In potable water valve internals, the casting is abrasive-blasted to Sa 2.5 per ISO 8501-1 with a profile of Rz 40–75 µm measured by ISO 8503-2. The valve bodies are preheated to 230–260 °C for 20–30 min to reduce thermal mass differences between flange sections and thin stem bosses. Electrostatic spray is performed at 40–55 kV, with the spray gun held at 180–220 mm from internal cavities; at voltages above 55 kV the external flanges exceed 350 µm while internal seat areas remain below 150 µm. The target dry film thickness is 150–350 µm depending on the cavitation zone, and the fused layer is post-cured at 200–220 °C for 5–6 min. For potable water contact, PA11 coatings may be assessed under NSF/ANSI 61 and BS 6920; the certificate status of T SILVER 9103 must be verified against the current Arkema formulation list, as published data for this exact silver grade is limited. Terminal components include butterfly valve discs, check valve clappers, and pump casings in drinking water distribution and water treatment skids.
Chromate-free etched aluminum profiles are heated to 190–210 °C before T SILVER 9103 is applied at 50–60 kV with a powder output of 80–150 g/min. On extrusions with deep grooves, the gun voltage is lowered to 40 kV to reduce Faraday cage deposition. Dry film thickness is maintained between 180 µm and 250 µm; below 180 µm the silver flake layer does not provide sufficient hiding over surface defects, while above 250 µm edge chipping becomes visible after impact. Post-fusion is conducted at 195–205 °C for 5–6 min, followed by forced-air cooling to lock flake orientation and limit gloss variation. Weathering resistance is screened under ISO 4892-2 UV-A cyclic exposure; the coating is required to show no cracking and no delamination at cross-cut per ISO 2409 after 1000 h. Terminal products include park benches, balustrades, handrails, and outdoor furniture frames in coastal and high-UV environments. Published data for T SILVER 9103 in architectural weathering programs is limited; the 180–250 µm thickness range is based on standard PA11 powder coating practice for exterior metalwork.
When T SILVER 9103 is specified for marine deck hardware, the stainless steel or bronze substrate is degreased and abrasive-blasted to Sa 2.5 with a surface profile of Rz 50–75 µm, because the silver flake pigment must be aligned parallel to the surface to act as a barrier platelet. If the voltage exceeds 65 kV or gun distance falls below 150 mm, back ionization disrupts powder laydown and creates random flake orientation, which produces chloride pathways through the PA11 matrix. Preheating is set at 220–260 °C, and the powder is applied at 45–65 kV with a gun-to-part distance of 150–250 mm. The target dry film thickness is 300–450 µm; on sharp threads and radiused edges the thickness can fall to 200 µm, and these zones become the first sites of rust bleed in ISO 9227 neutral salt spray testing. Post-fusion is performed at 200–220 °C for 5–8 min. Adhesion is measured by ISO 4624 pull-off after 1000 h of ISO 9227 salt spray; published data for T SILVER 9103 under this specific marine protocol is limited, and the acceptance limit must be fixed on the end-user drawing. Terminal components include deck cleats, hatch dogs, ladder mounts, and swing hinges. The coating is not a substitute for sacrificial anodes in immersion service.
Processing parameter matrix across the described downstream zones is listed below.
| Processing zone | Surface preparation | Preheat | Deposition mode | Film thickness | Post-fusion | Key standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive seat brackets | Alkaline degrease, zinc phosphate, oil limit 2 mg/m² | 190–210 °C | Electrostatic spray 45–60 kV | 120–180 µm | 195–205 °C, 3–4 min | ISO 2409, ASTM D2794 |
| Dishwasher racks | Alkaline degrease, iron phosphate | 300–320 °C | Fluidized bed dip 5–8 s | 250–450 µm | 220–240 °C, 3–5 min | ISO 2409, in-house dishwasher cycles |
| Potable water valve internals | Grit blast Sa 2.5, Rz 40–75 µm | 230–260 °C | Electrostatic spray 40–55 kV | 150–350 µm | 200–220 °C, 5–6 min | ISO 8501-1, NSF/ANSI 61 |
| Architectural railing and outdoor furniture | Chromate-free etched aluminum | 190–210 °C | Electrostatic spray 50–60 kV | 180–250 µm | 195–205 °C, 5–6 min | ISO 4892-2, ISO 2409 |
| Marine deck hardware | Degrease, blast Sa 2.5, Rz 50–75 µm | 220–260 °C | Electrostatic spray 45–65 kV | 300–450 µm | 200–220 °C, 5–8 min | ISO 9227, ISO 4624 |
Compliance verification matrix for T SILVER 9103 across the above service zones.
| Requirement | Standard or regulation | Condition | Verification step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coating adhesion | ISO 2409 | 23±2 °C, 50±5% RH | Class 0–1 after post-fusion |
| Salt spray resistance | ISO 9227 NSS | 35 °C, 5% NaCl | No creep at scribe; acceptance thickness-dependent |
| Pull-off adhesion | ISO 4624 | Coating thickness 300–450 µm | Failure mode recorded after 1000 h salt spray |
| Weathering color retention | ISO 4892-2 | UV-A cycle, 1000 h | No cracking, no cross-cut delamination |
| Potable water contact | NSF/ANSI 61, BS 6920 | Extraction per standard methods | Certificate status must be confirmed for T SILVER 9103 |
| Heavy metals | RoHS 2011/65/EU | Homogeneous material limits | Supplier declaration required |
| REACH SVHC | EC 1907/2006 | Article threshold 0.1% | SDS and substance screening |
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Arkema Rilsan Fine Powders T SILVER 9103 PA11 is a silver-pigmented polyamide 11 powder supplied for factory-applied metal coating by fluidized-bed dip and electrostatic spray processes. The polyamide 11 base polymer is synthesised from 11-aminoundecanoic acid derived from castor oil, producing a semicrystalline aliphatic polyamide with a low amide group density relative to PA6. That chemical structure reduces equilibrium moisture uptake and contributes to dimensional stability under humid service conditions. The fine powder form permits dry application to preheated steel, aluminium, and galvanized parts. The designation T SILVER 9103 identifies the silver variant in the Rilsan Fine Powders T series; the silver pigment modifies optical reflectance, infrared emittance, and electrostatic charging response compared with natural PA11 grades. Typical base-resin properties for PA11 include density 1.04 g/cm³ by ISO 1183-1, a melting peak of 183–187 °C by ISO 11357-3, and saturation water absorption near 1.9% by ISO 62. The powder is packaged with initial moisture below 0.2%; exposure to relative humidity above 60% before processing makes drying necessary.
The fine powder is generated by cryogenic grinding of PA11 pellets, which produces angular particle morphology and controlled top-size. For fluidised-bed coating, the particle-size distribution is usually maintained below 250 µm, while electrostatic spray grades are often limited to 125 µm or below. In production-scale bed coating, the presence of fines below 20 µm can induce channelling and reduce bed uniformity; the D10 value is therefore monitored alongside D50. The angular particle shape improves fluidisation but reduces bulk density relative to spherical powders.
Unpigmented Rilsan PA11 fine powders form translucent off-white coatings; T Silver 9103 contains a metallic silver pigment package that raises visible-light reflectance. The base resin matrix remains PA11, so density, melting point, and chemical resistance are not fundamentally altered, but the melt-coalescence and electrostatic charging behaviour are different. Metallic pigments can lower the maximum charge-to-mass ratio in corona systems, and the powder cloud may be more sensitive to gun voltage and powder feed rate. On infrared preheat ovens, silver surfaces exhibit lower emittance than black or natural surfaces; identical oven set points can therefore yield lower part-surface temperatures with T Silver 9103. Convection ovens are less affected. Published transfer-efficiency data specific to T Silver 9103 are limited, so qualification on the target coating line is required instead of adopting natural-grade settings. Where the specified film thickness exceeds 350 µm, the silver pigment’s local influence on melt flow becomes more visible as micro-roughness if post-fusion time is insufficient.
Table 1 lists representative values for the PA11 fine powder base resin. Values for the silver-pigmented grade can shift due to pigment loading; the supplier certificate of analysis is the controlling document.
| Property | Method | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Density | ISO 1183-1 | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Melting peak | ISO 11357-3 | 183–187 °C |
| Vicat softening temperature | ISO 306/B50 | 175 °C |
| Shore D hardness | ISO 868 | 70–72 |
| Saturation water absorption | ISO 62 | 1.9% |
| Tensile modulus | ISO 527-2 | 1 100–1 400 MPa |
| Bulk density of fine powder | ISO 60 | 0.45–0.55 g/cm³ |
| D50 particle size | ISO 13320 | 60–120 µm |
The values in Table 1 are not coating-film properties. Coated-film hardness, impact resistance, and adhesion depend on substrate preparation, film thickness, primer chemistry, and post-fusion thermal history. Melt-flow requirements for coating powders are also grade-specific; commercial PA11 fine-powder coating grades may show melt volume-flow rates in the approximate range 5–30 cm³/10 min at 235 °C and 2.16 kg by ISO 1133-1:2022, but the exact value must be confirmed for the lot in use.
Fluidized-bed dip coating forms thickness by heat transfer from a preheated part to a powder bed; film thickness is controlled by preheat temperature, part mass, immersion time, and powder particle-size distribution. Electrostatic spray deposition forms film thickness by charged-particle adhesion to a grounded or preheated part; it provides better coverage on large flat surfaces but poorer penetration into deep recesses because of Faraday cage effects. T Silver 9103 can demand a lower powder delivery air setting than natural PA11 if the metallic pigment reduces charge acceptance. In corona spray systems, gun voltage is commonly set between 60 kV and 80 kV, but the optimal point for this grade is line-specific. On thick steel fabrications, preheat ovens may be set at 340–380 °C to achieve uniform surface temperature, while thin aluminium stampings may reach the same surface temperature at 260–300 °C. The part surface must remain above the PA11 melting region long enough for powder particles to coalesce; localized areas below 180 °C produce weak, sintered deposits. Conversely, surface temperatures above 250 °C can initiate oxidative yellowing and chain scission. The practical process window on mixed-thickness weldments is often ±10 °C at the part surface, requiring infrared pyrometer verification rather than oven set-point control alone.
Dwell time after surface temperature reaches the coalescence range depends on section thickness. Thin sheet-metal parts may need 3–5 min at 220–230 °C; heavy castings and thick sections may require 15 min or longer. Post-fusion ovens with forced convection are preferred because they reduce silver-surface radiation losses. Edge radii of at least 0.5 mm are preferred on parts to be coated at moderate film thickness; sharp edges can lose molten polymer due to surface tension during post-fusion.
Reclaim systems on electrostatic spray lines alter the particle-size distribution. Cyclone and sieve reclaim tends to concentrate fines below 20 µm; when reclaim exceeds 30% of virgin powder, the shift in D10 can reduce fluidised-bed uniformity and increase the risk of back-ionization in corona charging. Vibratory sieving through 150 µm mesh is used to remove fused agglomerates. Moisture uptake by PA11 is low but operationally significant. At 60% relative humidity, stored powder can reach surface moisture that generates bubbles and pinholes during fusion. Drying at 80 °C for 4 h in dehumidified air with a dew point of -40 °C is typical; drying above 90 °C risks powder clumping and electrostatic discharge. Because silver pigmentation affects bulk resistivity, the clumping threshold and charge relaxation time may differ from natural grades; the drying hopper should be grounded and inerted if combustible dust accumulation is present.
Adhesion of PA11 films to steel depends on mechanical anchoring. Blast-cleaning to Sa 2.5 according to ISO 8501-1 with a profile of 60–90 µm is a common preparation for heavy polyamide coatings. Primers based on phenolic or epoxy chemistry are used on galvanized steel and aluminium to prevent adhesion loss at edges. Cross-cut adhesion can be assessed by ISO 2409; salt-spray corrosion resistance is tested by ISO 9227 or ASTM B117. ISO 9227 specifies exposure to a 5% sodium chloride solution at 35 °C with pH 6.5–7.2; test panels are scribed before exposure to assess creep from the scribe. Test duration is set by the applicable part specification and film thickness rather than a single universal value. Polyamide 11 coatings at thicknesses of 250–400 µm are used for corrosion protection of automotive fluid pipes, dishwasher baskets, outdoor furniture, and industrial valves. The thermoplastic nature of PA11 means no cure exotherm and no pot life, but also means the film softens when reheated. Impact resistance measured by ASTM D2794 or ISO 6272 is generally ductile at room temperature; low-temperature testing at -40 °C may be required for transportation components.
Abrasion resistance is measured by Taber-type methods such as ASTM D4060, but the result is highly dependent on coating thickness and backing substrate. Metallic silver pigmentation may alter the visual perception of abrasion because exposed pigment flakes can become burnished. Therefore acceptance criteria for appearance should be based on instrumented gloss and colour measurement rather than visual ranking alone. For outdoor exposure, accelerated weathering may be conducted using ASTM G154 or ISO 4892-2, but the silver surface can complicate gloss and colour readings due to directional reflectance.
For food-contact applications, the base PA11 resin is listed in 21 CFR 177.1500, but the complete T Silver 9103 formulation must be confirmed by the supplier for the specific use condition and food type. Under EU REACH, polyamide 11 is a polymer and exempt from registration as a substance under Article 2(9); the monomer and any imported additives must be registered or otherwise covered. The grade may be evaluated under Directive 2011/65/EU for RoHS substance restrictions, but the silver pigment package must be analysed for restricted heavy metals. Halogen-free claims are not automatic because additive components may contain halogens even though the PA11 backbone is halogen-free.
Table 2 compares typical base-resin properties for the three polyamides used in powder coating.
| Property | PA11 | PA12 | PA6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ISO 1183-1) | 1.04 g/cm³ | 1.01 g/cm³ | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Melting peak (ISO 11357-3) | 183–187 °C | 174–178 °C | 218–224 °C |
| Saturation water absorption (ISO 62) | 1.9% | 1.5% | 9.5% |
| Feedstock basis | Partially bio-based | Petrochemical | Petrochemical |
PA11 has a slightly higher melting point and modulus than PA12, allowing somewhat higher service temperature but requiring higher preheat. PA6 has substantially higher water absorption, which can cause dimensional expansion and lower long-term corrosion resistance in wet environments. Compared with PA12, PA11 retains mechanical strength at elevated temperature but has a narrower processing window due to its higher melting point. In aesthetic terms, the T Silver 9103 metallic finish has no direct PA6 or PA12 equivalent; silver-pigmented PA6 powders are available commercially, but their moisture uptake and thermal-oxidative behaviour differ.
Compared with epoxy or polyethylene powder coatings, Rilsan PA11 is thermoplastic. It forms a film by fusion rather than thermoset cure, so there is no storage-limited pot life, but the coating can be remelted by service heat. Polyamide 11 generally provides better solvent resistance than low-density polyethylene but is not resistant to strong acids, certain glycols, or alcohol immersion at high temperature.
The operational boundary for continuous service is typically below 90 °C, with short excursions to 120–150 °C depending on mechanical load and chemical exposure. Above those temperatures, oxidative degradation and creep reduce film integrity. The coating is not recommended for immersion in strong acids, aqueous glycol, or alcohol at elevated temperature. Ultraviolet exposure oxidises the PA11 surface and can cause chalking; the silver pigment increases reflectance and slows visible gloss change but does not stop chain scission. Storage should be in sealed containers below 60% relative humidity; once opened, the powder should be dried before use or returned to a climate-controlled hopper. No single set of processing parameters applies to all substrate alloys and part masses; line qualification must include pyrometer data, film-thickness mapping, and adhesion testing on production-representative parts.
