| HS Code | 754289 |
| Density | 1.11 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption 24h | 0.20 % |
| Tensile Strength Yield | 55.0 MPa |
| Elongation At Break | 15.0 % |
| Tensile Modulus | 2.60 GPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 2.40 GPa |
| Charpy Impact Notched | 5.00 kJ/m² |
| Heat Deflection Temperature At 1 8 Mpa | 55.0 °C |
| Melting Point | 190 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.45 W/(m·K) |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1e3 Ω·cm |
| Coefficient Of Friction | 0.20 |
As an accredited Overview of materials for Nylon 11 with Graphite Filler factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Packaged in 25 kg moisture-resistant sealed drums with desiccant, ensuring safe containment and stable storage of Nylon 11 graphite-filled material. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | 20′ FCL container loading of Nylon 11 with graphite filler, securely packed and weight-optimized for efficient bulk transport. |
| Shipping | Shipping description: Nylon 11 with graphite filler, solid plastic. Not regulated as hazardous material per 49 CFR, IATA, or IMDG. Non-dangerous, non-flammable, non-toxic. Pack in sturdy bags or boxes to prevent damage. No special transport controls required. Avoid generating dust during handling. |
| Storage | Store Nylon 11 with graphite filler in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, preferably in sealed original containers to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Protect from direct sunlight, UV exposure, and high heat. Keep away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources. Avoid prolonged storage in humid conditions to maintain mechanical and electrical properties. |
| Shelf Life | Shelf life is typically indefinite when stored in a sealed, dry, cool environment away from direct sunlight and moisture absorption. |
Graphite-filled nylon 11 is a semicrystalline polyamide 11 compound in which lamellar graphite is dispersed in a castor-oil-derived polyamide matrix. The filler median particle size is commonly reported between D50 5 µm and D50 20 µm, and total graphite loading in commercial grades generally falls between 5 wt% and 15 wt%. The base polymer has a melting point near 189°C and a density of approximately 1.03 g/cm³; graphite addition raises compound density to roughly 1.08 g/cm³ to 1.15 g/cm³. The filler reduces surface resistivity, lowers sliding friction, and increases thermal conductivity relative to unfilled PA11, but it also reduces tensile elongation and alters melt-flow behavior. Processing begins with moisture removal to below 0.08 wt% because residual water hydrolyzes the amide bonds at melt temperatures above 240°C. Desiccant-air drying at 80°C for 3 h to 4 h with a dew point of -40°C is standard. Moisture above 0.12 wt% produces splay, viscosity loss, and black specks. Graphite-filled PA11 is processed on conventional nylon screws, but graphite plate-out, screw slippage at high loading, and anisotropic shrinkage require process controls that differ from unfilled PA11. The following downstream segments describe where such compounds are applied, how they are processed, and which standards govern qualification.
Fuel-system quick-connector bodies, retainer clips, and vapor-bypass valve components are injection-molded from graphite-filled PA11 because the filler dissipates static charge generated by low-conductivity fuel flow through the connector. The graphite loading in these parts is typically 8 wt% to 10 wt%. Surface resistivity measured according to ASTM D257 is commonly specified below 1×106 Ω/sq. Lower graphite content may produce erratic dissipation at knit lines and gate areas. The compound is processed on three-zone general-purpose screws with L/D ratios from 20:1 to 24:1 and compression ratios from 2.2:1 to 2.8:1. Barrel temperature settings from rear zone to nozzle are normally 205°C, 220°C, 230°C, and 235°C. Mold temperature is held between 40°C and 80°C. Injection speed is moderate because shear heating above 260°C causes degradation and graphite separation. Hold pressure is typically 40 MPa to 70 MPa. Tensile strength of graphite-filled PA11 connector bodies tested per ISO 527-1:2019 generally falls between 45 MPa and 55 MPa, while elongation at break is reduced to 3% to 10% depending on filler content. Qualification for fuel-system quick connectors commonly references SAE J2044, and dimensional stability is checked by ISO 62 water absorption after conditioning. Published data for hydrocarbon permeation through graphite-filled PA11 connector bodies is limited; OEM-specific fuel exposure and pressure-cycle protocols control acceptance. Long-run molding of these connectors requires vented cores and periodic purging with unfilled PA11 because graphite accumulates on tool steel and produces surface dulling after continuous runs.
Before monolayer fuel vapor tubing extrusion begins, pellet moisture is reduced to below 0.08 wt% because water vapor in the melt causes surface roughness and lowers melt strength at the die. Graphite-filled PA11 tubing is extruded on single-screw extruders with L/D ratios from 24:1 to 30:1 and barrier-style screws with mild mixing sections. Barrel settings from feed throat to die are generally 200°C, 215°C, 225°C, 230°C, and 230°C. The melt pump is set to control output rather than relying on extruder screw speed alone. Melt pressure before the screen pack is normally maintained below 30 MPa; high graphite loadings above 10 wt% can raise melt pressure and reduce output. Screens are typically 60/80/100 mesh pack assemblies. The graphite filler provides surface resistivity for fuel vapor tubing measured by ASTM D257, with target values commonly between 1×104 Ω/sq and 1×106 Ω/sq. Monolayer tubing used in fuel vapor systems is tested to SAE J2260 for nonmetallic fuel system tubing and to ISO 1133-1:2022 for melt flow rate control. Extrusion of graphite-filled PA11 requires a melt filter because agglomerates and filler-rich domains produce pinholes in thin wall below 1 mm. Cooling water temperature is set between 20°C and 40°C to control crystallinity and tube ovality. The draw ratio and vacuum calibration pressure must be adjusted because graphite reduces melt elongation and increases the tendency for die-lip build-up. Published data for specific graphite-filled PA11 fuel vapor tubing formulations is limited; supplier-run extrusion trials determine maximum stable line speed and melt-pressure ceilings.
In dry-running bearing cages and conveyor guide rails, graphite-filled PA11 is substituted for unfilled PA11 only when sliding contact without externally supplied lubricant is expected. The graphite lamellae shear at the wear surface and form a low-friction transfer film on metal counterfaces. Loading in these tribological parts is usually 10 wt% to 15 wt%. The compound is injection-molded into bearing cages with wall thicknesses from 3 mm to 12 mm and into extruded guide-rail profiles. Mold temperature for thick-wall wear parts is held at 70°C to 90°C to increase crystallinity and reduce post-mold shrinkage. Wear rate is evaluated by ASTM D3702 thrust-washer testing. Tensile modulus and flexural modulus are measured by ISO 527-1:2019 and ISO 178:2019. Graphite-filled PA11 wear pads are not selected for high-load rolling contact or continuous service above 80°C because the polyamide matrix softens and wear rate rises. Terminal parts include cam rollers, wear strips, thrust washers, bearing cages, and rail wear inserts. These parts operate in packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and dry-running gearboxes. Injection molding tooling for graphite-filled PA11 wear parts requires hardened gate inserts because the graphite filler is abrasive, and gate erosion changes shot weight over runs exceeding 100,000 cycles. Purging with unfilled PA11 or a commercial purging compound after each production campaign reduces graphite residue in the barrel and hot runner. Moisture absorption of PA11 is lower than PA6 or PA66, but continuous water contact above 60°C still causes dimensional growth and should be evaluated before replacing metal parts.
Graphite-filled PA11 housings installed in marine electronic enclosures are molded with wall sections from 2 mm to 4 mm and must meet IEC 61340-5-1 for electrostatic control. Surface resistivity is measured by ASTM D257 on dry specimens and after damp-heat conditioning at 40°C and 93% RH according to IEC 60068-2-78. Graphite loading for these housings is usually 5 wt% to 10 wt%. Lower loadings may fail to dissipate charge after humidity exposure because the polyamide matrix absorbs water and swells, partially separating conductive filler networks. The compound is injection-molded with mold temperatures from 50°C to 80°C. Screw recovery speed is reduced because graphite-filled PA11 pellets may slip in the feed zone at high screw rotation. Back pressure is set between 0.5 MPa and 1.5 MPa to homogenize the dispersion. Tensile strength of graphite-filled PA11 housing material is measured by ISO 527-1:2019, and impact resistance is assessed by ISO 179-1/1eA Charpy impact testing. Graphite filler lowers Charpy notched impact strength compared with unfilled PA11; typical values at 10 wt% loading fall below 5 kJ/m² in some supplier datasheets. This limitation is accepted because the housing function is electrostatic dissipation rather than structural impact. Molded enclosures are not painted or coated because surface coatings disrupt the conductive path. Metal inserts in enclosure bosses require evaluation for galvanic contact, because graphite-filled PA11 is semi-conductive and may promote interface corrosion in salt-spray environments. Dimensional stability after assembly is checked according to ISO 62, and warpage is controlled by gate placement and lower packing pressure relative to unfilled PA11. Production-scale molding of these housings uses hardened mold steels because graphite is abrasive at filler contents above 8 wt%.
| Application | Primary qualification standards | Critical test methods | Typical graphite loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive quick-connector bodies | SAE J2044, SAE J2260 | ASTM D257, ISO 527-1:2019 | 8–10 wt% |
| Monolayer fuel vapor tubing | SAE J2260 | ASTM D257, ISO 1133-1:2022 | 6–10 wt% |
| Dry-running bearing cages and guide rails | ISO 178:2019, ASTM D3702 | ASTM D3702, ISO 527-1:2019 | 10–15 wt% |
| Marine electronic ESD housings | IEC 61340-5-1 | ASTM D257, IEC 60068-2-78 | 5–10 wt% |
| Offshore flexible flowline liners | API Spec 17J, ISO 13628-2 | ISO 527-1:2019 | limited published data |
For offshore flexible flowline liners, API Spec 17J-qualified PA11 grades are established as pressure barriers in unbonded flexible risers and flowlines. The base PA11 layer is extruded with controlled thickness and low porosity; graphite-filled variants are investigated where static dissipation or thermal conductivity is required in the liner. Graphite loading in this segment is not standardized across public literature. Reported use is limited because the liner must retain flexibility and fatigue resistance under dynamic bending, and particulate fillers reduce elongation and may initiate microcracks. Processing of PA11 liner tube requires desiccant drying and extrusion at melt temperatures below 250°C. Wall thickness is monitored by ultrasonic measurement. Qualification follows API Spec 17J and ISO 13628-2; these standards impose mechanical testing, pressure testing, and compatibility exposure to production fluids. Tensile properties are measured by ISO 527-1:2019 on samples cut from the liner. Published data for graphite-filled PA11 flexible pipe liner formulations is limited, and qualification for a specific field requires supplier-specific aging programs with sour gas, methanol, and high-temperature water. Graphite-filled PA11 is not used as a replacement for unfilled PA11 in flexible risers without full collapse, permeation, and dynamic fatigue evaluation. Terminal products are unbonded flexible riser inner sheaths used in offshore oil and gas production.
Thermoplastic valve bodies molded with multiple side gates exhibit weld-line weakness when graphite plates align perpendicular to the converging flow front. The strength loss is more severe at graphite loading above 8 wt% because the lamellar filler prevents interdiffusion of PA11 chains across the weld line. Tensile test bars cut across the weld line and tested by ISO 527-2 may retain only 40% to 60% of the unwelded tensile strength. This threshold determines gate location, gate number, and valve-body design. To minimize weld-line exposure, mold designers use single gate or sequential valve-gate systems. Mold temperature is raised to 80°C to 100°C to improve weld-line healing. Melt temperature is held at 235°C to 245°C. In hot-runner systems, graphite-filled PA11 requires externally heated manifolds with no dead spots because stagnant melt degrades and produces black specks. Screw back pressure is set from 1 MPa to 2 MPa to maintain filler dispersion. Terminal parts include fuel-system valves, air-control valve bodies, and chemical-dosing manifolds. These parts must pass burst-pressure testing and tensile testing of weld regions per ISO 527-2. Published data for graphite-filled PA11 weld-line strength under specific gate geometries is limited; mold-flow simulation with fiber orientation tensors is often adapted to platelet fillers but requires validation with short-shot and cross-polarized microscopy. The process window for high-graphite valve bodies is narrow. A mold temperature below 70°C produces brittle weld lines, while melt temperature above 255°C increases degradation. Valve bodies with graphite filler are often post-annealed at 100°C for 2 h to reduce residual stress and stabilize dimensions. Graphite-filled PA11 is not used where weld-line strength is the dominant structural requirement without either redesign or reduced filler loading.
Competitive Overview of materials for Nylon 11 with Graphite Filler prices that fit your budget—flexible terms and customized quotes for every order.
For samples, pricing, or more information, please contact us at +8618136850665 or mail to admin@ascent-chem.com.
We will respond to you as soon as possible.
Tel: +8618136850665
Email: admin@ascent-chem.com
Flexible payment, competitive price, premium service - Inquire now!
Overview of materials for Nylon 11 with graphite filler comprises semi-crystalline polyamide 11 compounds in which natural or synthetic graphite is dispersed at loadings commonly between 10 wt% and 15 wt%. The base polymer is a castor-oil-derived PA11 with a density near 1.03 g/cm³; graphite addition raises compound density to approximately 1.12–1.18 g/cm³ when measured under ISO 1183. Commercial specifications typically report a graphite median particle size D50 of 8–20 µm and a carbon content above 95% by weight. These grades are supplied as cylindrical granules or irregular pellets for injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding. Commercial designations usually encode the base polymer and graphite loading—such as PA11-GR10 or PA11-GR15—but nomenclature remains supplier-specific and no unified ISO grade exists. The material is not a single proprietary formulation; it is a product class in which graphite particle morphology, loading, and surface treatment control the balance of wear resistance, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties.
In injection molded plaques, graphite platelets orient during cavity filling. The frozen skin of a 3 mm plaque may show surface resistivity of 10⁴–10⁶ Ω under IEC 60093, while the core remains above 10⁸ Ω. This anisotropy means that through-thickness resistivity is often higher than surface resistivity, and test location should be specified on engineering drawings. Industrial compounds frequently control the particle size distribution with a D90 below 40 µm to avoid blockage in hot-runner gates of 0.8 mm diameter or smaller. Grades with higher aspect-ratio graphite produce lower percolation thresholds but also increase melt viscosity and reduce weld-line strength.
The answer depends on loading and dispersion. At 10–15 wt% graphite, surface resistivity commonly falls to 10³–10⁶ Ω under IEC 60093 or ASTM D257, which is suitable for static dissipation but not for electromagnetic shielding or power conduction. The same compound exhibits a dry sliding coefficient of friction against hardened steel of 0.12–0.25 when measured under ASTM G99 at 100 N and 0.1 m/s, compared with 0.35–0.50 for unfilled PA11. This dual functionality arises because graphite platelets shear into lamellar transfer films at the wear interface while simultaneously forming conductive pathways in the bulk. At loadings below 8 wt%, the percolation threshold may not be reached and volume resistivity can remain above 10¹² Ω. At loadings above 20 wt%, tensile elongation at break can fall below 3%, and melt processing can become unstable due to increased backpressure and screw wear.
Because PA11 is hygroscopic, pre-drying is required at 80 °C for 4–6 h in a desiccant dryer with a dew point of -40 °C or lower, targeting a residual moisture content below 0.1% as measured by ISO 15512 or ASTM D7191. At ambient relative humidity above 60% RH, open storage for more than 30 min can increase surface moisture and generate splay in molded parts. Drying above 90 °C is not recommended because discoloration of the polyamide surface can occur. Injection molding trials on 80–120 tonne clamp force machines have demonstrated stable shot weight at melt temperatures between 220 °C and 250 °C and mold temperatures of 60–80 °C. Graphite increases thermal conductivity, reducing cooling time by 10–20% relative to unfilled PA11, but the practical melt temperature window for thin-wall parts below 1 mm can narrow to ±5 °C around 240 °C. Below that window, short shots occur; above it, surface degradation appears at hot-runner tips.
Thermal degradation during processing follows a time-temperature pathway. At 250 °C melt temperature, residence times above 10 min can reduce relative viscosity by 5–10%; at 270 °C, visible discoloration may occur within 3 min. Graphite does not thermally stabilize PA11 and can accelerate local heating in high-shear regions. Hot-runner manifold temperatures should therefore not exceed 250 °C, and gate geometry should be sized to avoid excessive shear heating.
Compounding of 10–15 wt% graphite into PA11 on a corotating twin-screw extruder with 40:1 L/D is usually performed by feeding dry polymer in the main hopper and side-stuffing graphite downstream after the polymer has melted. This sequence preserves graphite platelet aspect ratio while limiting heat history. Barrel zones are commonly profiled from 230 °C at the feed throat to 245 °C at the die, with vacuum devolatilization at -0.08 MPa gauge. A screen pack of 80/120/80 mesh is often used to retain agglomerates; filtration finer than 150 mesh can increase melt temperature by 5–10 °C and reduce throughput. Screw configurations with too many aggressive kneading blocks may shatter graphite platelets and increase the surface resistivity of the compound. Production-scale lines therefore use less severe mixing than glass-fiber-reinforced PA11 and rely on downstream side-feeding to achieve filler dispersion.
Molding trials have identified graphite-rich PA11 as more prone to knit-line brittleness than unfilled PA11. In a multi-gate bearing housing, weld-line tensile strength can be 30–50% lower than the main flow direction when no secondary flow oscillation is applied. This reduction requires re-positioned gates or sequential valve gating to avoid weld lines in load-bearing regions. Screw recovery time is generally shorter than unfilled PA11 because the compound has higher thermal conductivity, but screw wear can accelerate when coarse graphite with a D90 above 60 µm is used. Chrome-plated or bimetallic screws are specified for production runs exceeding 50 tonnes of compound to control wear. Dimensional shrinkage is more isotropic than glass-fiber-reinforced PA11: mold shrinkage parallel to flow is typically 1.0–1.4% and transverse shrinkage is 1.2–1.6% at 3 mm wall thickness.
| Property | Test method | Unfilled PA11 | PA11 + 10–15 wt% graphite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ISO 1183 | 1.03–1.05 g/cm³ | 1.12–1.18 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength at yield | ISO 527-2 | 45–55 MPa | 38–48 MPa |
| Tensile elongation at break | ISO 527-2 | >50% | 4–10% |
| Flexural modulus | ISO 178 | 900–1200 MPa | 1400–1800 MPa |
| Notched Izod impact, 23 °C | ISO 180/A | 6–10 kJ/m² | 3–5 kJ/m² |
| Heat deflection temperature, 0.45 MPa | ISO 75-2/B | 55–65 °C | 75–90 °C |
| Surface resistivity | IEC 60093 | >10¹² Ω | 10³–10⁶ Ω |
| Dynamic coefficient of friction vs steel | ASTM G99 | 0.35–0.50 | 0.12–0.25 |
Values are consolidated from published industrial datasheets and are indicative ranges; supplier-specific grades may fall outside these bands.
Graphite addition increases thermal conductivity in the through-plane direction to approximately 0.5–1.0 W/m·K, compared with 0.20–0.25 W/m·K for unfilled PA11, although published values vary with graphite type and orientation. This modest increase is insufficient for heat-sink applications but meaningful in steady-state bearing service where frictional heat must be dissipated. Moisture uptake under ISO 62 after 24 h water immersion at 23 °C is typically 0.4–0.8% for filled grades, lower than unfilled PA11 due to the hydrophobic graphite phase. Nevertheless, moisture absorption reduces tensile modulus by 10–20%. Electrical resistivity in humid service is also less stable than in dry environments; a molded part conditioned at 50% RH may show surface resistivity one order of magnitude higher than the dry-as-molded value because polyamide matrix swelling interrupts some graphite contacts.
Graphite-filled PA11 is specified for rotating and sliding components that cannot accept external grease: distributor gears, cam followers, conveyor guide rails, bearing cages, and pump wear rings. In dry-running journal bearings, the graphite transfer film maintains a low-shear interface and reduces stick-slip noise. The limiting bearing pressure is generally below 10 MPa at 0.1 m/s; above this pressure, the PA11 matrix can creep unless the part is reinforced with a secondary filler such as glass or carbon fiber. Components machined from extruded stock have shown dimensional changes below 0.15% after 24 h immersion in water at 23 °C under ISO 62. The product is also used where static charge accumulation on conveyor components must be avoided, provided the required surface resistivity lies between 10³ Ω and 10⁶ Ω.
Substitution is technically justified when the existing unfilled PA11 part exhibits wear-related failure and the operating temperature remains below the heat deflection temperature of the compound. In a rotating carrier ring, replacement of sintered bronze with graphite-filled PA11 can reduce mass by roughly 40–50% and eliminate oil lubrication, but the polyamide component cannot carry the same contact pressure. Design calculations should compare the 10 MPa bearing-pressure limit of the compound with the metal design's allowable contact stress. If the metal part operates above 80 °C continuous, unfilled PA11 or graphite-filled PA11 may soften excessively; published continuous-use temperature limits for PA11 are below 90 °C for most engineering load cases. The replacement also changes clearance requirements because PA11 thermal expansion is higher than steel and can require bore clearances of 0.004–0.008 mm/mm depending on wall thickness.
Graphite-filled PA11 is incompatible with strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizing environments; the graphite filler can promote galvanic corrosion when in contact with certain metals in the presence of an electrolyte. It should not be specified for continuous immersion in hot water above 60 °C unless the specific grade has been validated, because hydrolytic degradation of the polyamide accelerates. Avoid combination with amine-based additives that can interfere with polyamide melt stability and cause premature chain scission. Flame-retardant versions are less common; the unfilled base polymer is usually rated UL 94 HB at 3 mm, and graphite does not inherently provide vertical burn resistance. Regulatory compliance must be verified grade by grade: the base PA11 may meet FDA 21 CFR 177.1500 for natural polymer, but the graphite additive and final compound must be assessed separately for food-contact status.
| Test | Method | Typical acceptance range |
|---|---|---|
| Melt volume-flow rate, 235 °C, 2.16 kg | ISO 1133-1 | 8–20 cm³/10 min |
| Residual moisture | ISO 15512 | ≤ 0.10% |
| Surface resistivity | IEC 60093 | 10³–10⁶ Ω |
| Tensile elongation at break | ISO 527-2 | ≥ 4% |
| Flexural modulus | ISO 178 | 1400–1800 MPa |
| Flammability | UL 94 | HB at 3 mm |
| RoHS restricted substances | IEC 62321 | Below maximum concentration values in Directive 2011/65/EU |
Acceptance limits are supplier-specific and should be fixed in the purchase specification only after an interlaboratory round robin or first-article approval.
Compared with PTFE-filled PA11, graphite-filled grades usually exhibit a lower wear rate at moderate sliding speeds but can be more abrasive against soft mating alloys; PTFE versions provide lower friction but lower thermal conductivity and are generally less effective for static dissipation. Compared with MoS₂-filled PA11, graphite performs more consistently in humid service because MoS₂ lubrication can be degraded by moisture, and MoS₂ oxidizes above 350 °C processing conditions. Compared with carbon-fiber-reinforced PA11, graphite-filled compounds have lower flexural modulus and lower tensile strength, but they exhibit more isotropic mold shrinkage and lower surface resistivity without relying on conductive carbon black. Unfilled PA11 remains preferred when high elongation at break above 50% and maximum impact toughness are required and tribological or static-dissipative demands are absent. The selection between these materials is therefore governed by the bearing pressure, operating temperature, electrical resistivity target, and the acceptable trade-off between toughness and wear resistance.
